How Early Will the 49ers Draft a Linebacker This Year?

The Linebacker Corps: Strength or Growing Concern?

The San Francisco 49ers have long been known for their dominant defense, anchored by a strong linebacker unit. With Fred Warner leading the way and Dre Greenlaw providing elite support, the Niners have enjoyed one of the most formidable linebacker tandems in the league. However, injuries and depth concerns have sparked questions about how San Francisco will approach the upcoming draft.

Depth Issues Looming for the 49ers

While Warner remains a cornerstone of the defense, Greenlaw’s injury history is a growing concern. Behind them, the depth chart is thin, with players like Oren Burks and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles serving as serviceable but not game-changing backups. The 49ers have historically prioritized the linebacker position, but will they invest an early pick in a future starter?

First-Round Pick: A Long Shot but Not Impossible

San Francisco holds the 31st overall pick in this year’s draft, and while most mock drafts project them targeting an offensive lineman or cornerback, there is an outside chance they could shock everyone and select a linebacker. If a top-tier prospect like Payton Wilson (NC State) or Edgerrin Cooper (Texas A&M) falls to them, the 49ers might not pass up the opportunity.

Day Two Selection: The Most Likely Scenario

The second and third rounds seem like the sweet spot for San Francisco to find a linebacker who can develop behind Warner and Greenlaw. Prospects like Junior Colson (Michigan), Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (Clemson), or Cedric Gray (North Carolina) could be ideal fits. The 49ers have found success drafting linebackers on Day Two before, and this year may follow a similar pattern.

Late-Round Sleeper Picks to Watch

San Francisco could also take a wait-and-see approach, opting for a developmental linebacker in the later rounds. Players like Tommy Eichenberg (Ohio State) or Curtis Jacobs (Penn State) might not be immediate impact starters but could provide much-needed depth and special teams value.

Balancing Needs and Draft Strategy

The 49ers are in a win-now mode, and while linebacker depth is a concern, they may prioritize positions with more immediate needs. Offensive line, defensive tackle, and cornerback all require attention, making it a balancing act for the front office. However, with their aggressive draft history, San Francisco may surprise fans by addressing linebacker earlier than expected.

Will the 49ers Make a Bold Move?

With a championship window wide open, the 49ers must ensure their defense remains elite. Whether they pull the trigger on a linebacker early or wait for a value pick, expect them to reinforce this key position at some point in the draft. The only question is: how early will they make their move?