San Francisco 49ers: A few solid options with ninth-overall pick
By Kevin Saito
Given the situation unfolding with last year’s first-round pick, Rueben Foster, it’s very conceivable that they could select a linebacker at nine. And this draft class offers two elite level athletes at the position. Two players who can have a huge impact on your team’s defense and be absolute game changers.
And, to hear many scouts tell it, Smith is only the second-best linebacker in the class.
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With the possibility that Virginia Tech’s Tremaine Edmunds is gone by nine – which is a distinct possibility – Smith would be an excellent fall-back position for the team.
Smith is an elite-level athlete who’s powerful against the run. And with his blazing sideline-to-sideline speed and outstanding skill in coverage, he’s just as strong against the pass. Smith has sharp instincts and a high football IQ.
Foster was drafted to eventually take over for NaVorro Bowman, but he proved to be so dynamic on the field, that the 49ers made the decision to cut Bowman loose and turn the responsibilities in the middle over to Foster. And he thrived.
But, with his status uncertain, given his legal issues – and, using the Ezekiel Elliott situation as a baseline, it certainly seems like there’s a better than average chance that he’s going to miss significant time this season – the 49ers are going to need to find somebody to help fill that gap.
With Malcolm Smith coming back, he is a possibility to slide inside, while Eli Harold and perhaps Dekoda Watson or Brock Coyle, hold down the fort until Foster returns.
Or, they could opt to bring in another dynamic playmaker in Smith, to help fill the void. Having Smith would also be very handy, just in case Foster – like Aldon Smith – can’t keep himself out of trouble for the long term.
Worst case scenario is that the 49ers are left with two young, dynamic playmakers on the second level of that defense in Smith and Foster. It could be the groundwork for a dominant linebackers group.