No. 3: Linebacker Eli Harold

A carryover from former general manager Trent Baalke, strong-side (SAM) linebacker Eli Harold has done little to suggest he’s capable of replicating the solid pass-rushing numbers he displayed in college at Virginia. To date, Harold has just five sacks to his name — a pretty paltry number for the No. 79 overall pick from the 2015 NFL Draft.

And as far as his other duties combined go, Pro Football Focus handed Harold a lowly 47.9 grade last season, down from 51.1 in 2016.

The 49ers are pretty thin at outside linebacker heading into 2018. Linebackers Dekoda Watson, Malcolm Smith and Brock Coyle all have experience playing at SAM, and it’s possible the Niners could consider moving rookie backer Fred Warner to this spot based off his excellent pass-coverage skills.

In fact, the plethora of options at inside linebacker almost mandate San Francisco making a move here. Both the middle (MIKE) and weak-side (WILL) linebackers are essentially interchangeable in coordinator Robert Saleh’s defense, the only difference being the MIKE calls out the plays in the huddle. Smith is penciled in as the starting MIKE, while second-year pro Reuben Foster is likely to take over WILL duties once he’s finished with his two-game suspension to start the season.

Harold likely makes the 53-man roster out of camp, particularly due to Foster’s suspension freeing up a roster spot. Once he returns, however, it’s anyone’s guess.

Particularly if Warner excels enough to assume a starting role.

And with Harold costing a mere $174,343 in dead money in the final year of his rookie contract, per Over the Cap, it’s a move the 49ers wouldn’t have to worry about making, financially.

Next Page: No. 2