The Top 5 Unaddressed Positions of Need in the NFC

San Francisco 49ers, Inside Linebacker

I lamented the loss of depth at this once-rich spot for the 49ers in an article yesterday, but it bears repeating: where once there was gold, there’s now just drought.

All-Pro NaVorro Bowman suffered a horrific knee injury in the 2013 NFC Championship, but will be the linchpin of this defensive front seven again. Beside him should be either veteran and seven-time Pro Bowler Patrick Willis or rookie revelation Chris Borland, but both unexpectedly retired this offseason. Even veteran outside linebacker Dan Skuta, departed to Jacksonville in free agency. With the team slipping from multiple consecutive top-ten finishes in Adjusted Defensive Rushing NEP last season, who do the Niners have to stop this skid?

Veteran journeyman Michael Wilhoite and former Dolphins’ starter Philip Wheeler project as the only true 3-4 inside linebacker options in the current state of the Niners’ roster. Neither is particularly athletic or proficient in coverage, but they are solid tacklers and could see a majority of the snaps available. 2014 undrafted rookie Shayne Skov is still on the back end of this roster, as is Minnesota and Arizona castoff Desmond Bishop, but either are longshots to make a real impact. No one else has been signed or drafted to date.

Best Solution So Far: Michael Wilhoite, backup promotion