Niner LBs

"Why would we want a linebacker ?"

-Jerry Reese

You know, that kid who shot his way right up the depth chart and has been playing with the starters?

Plus, Bowman will almost certainly start the season on PUP. So one or two 49ers who might otherwise have been cut will make the 53.

A 3-4 base team would normally carry around seven LBs. They could go a little thinner, in anticipation of getting Smith and Bowman back. But don't expect any notable names to shake loose in San Francisco. Brooks, Willis, Lemonier, Wilhoite and Borland are locks. Lynch will probably make it too, for long-term upside. That leaves Skov and guys like Nick Moody and Dan Skuta vying for roles as depth and special teamers. An upgrade from Mark Herzlich? Maybe, but nothing dramatic.

In comment 11823689 arcarsenal said:

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You know, that kid who shot his way right up the depth chart and has been playing with the starters?

Kennard is no more a sure thing than any of these 3 guys. And still he's probably 3-4 on the depth chart. I'm hoping he's a real keeper. But I'm still not in love with McClain, Williams, Paysinger or Herzlich. There's still room on this team for a solid LB

Skov or Lynch fit anywhere in a 4-3 as a LB. A lot of people don't think Borland can. I disagree, but I doubt Borland is going anywhere.

But who did he have to leap over? Coaches are impressed.....until this guy plays in an actual game and makes plays, we really don't know what we have....we have had too many guys with potential coming out of camp that don't pan out, when the regular season starts.....hopefully he does....but climbing over Paysinger and Herz is no real accomplishment...

Still not sold on JW being a 3 down linebacker.....has his moments in pass coverage, but against the run, he is not a force against the point of attack, and he still hasn't found his jock strap after the move Johnson put on him....

McClain sucks as a MLB...moving to the outside when Beason returns won't make him any better....

These linebackers are similar to the OL.....ignored for years.....many say, this OL is better than last year, how could it not be? You can say the same about the linebackers, because both groups sucked last year(outside of Beason).....so as a whole, each group may be better.....how much better is the question.....and only a full season of play can determine that.....

Will keep an eye.

What about a TE?

especially once he got to play with Beason. Does nobody remember that?

In comment 11823960 DavidinBMNY said:

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Will keep an eye. What about a TE?

I'll start looking for that TE, David. I'll get back to you when I find one.

on the 1 td pass...McClain or Kennard?

Everybody seemed to be staring at the QB.

just placed Bowman on the temp IR list. So they are less likely to cut one of their linebackers now
Link - ( New Window )

He simply moved from active PUP to reserve PUP, as expected. He never practiced, so the Niners didn't have to use their one designation on him.

my bad

In comment 11823963 Ten Ton Hammer said:

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especially once he got to play with Beason. Does nobody remember that?

I do.. Know little about Kennard given that it's preseason, but looking forward to seeing his progress once the bullets fly..Have liked (a healthy) JW from his first regular season on..McClain is better than given credit for..Then there's Beason..I'm not concerned about our LB corps as others seem to be