49ers’ linebacking corps set to emerge in 2009

By Brad Wilbricht  |   Thursday, July 02, 2009  |  Comments( 0 )

San Francisco 49ers
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While linebacker Patrick Willis garners most of the headlines, the San Francisco 49ers have a handful of other options set to break out at the position. With Mike Singletary now in control, there’s a good chance the team’s linebacking corps will progress into one of the top units in the NFL.

Willis’ accomplishments have been well documented with two Pro Bowl appearances in his first two seasons and the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award in 2007. However, the unheralded players in San Francisco may be the key to the team’s defensive success.

Veteran linebacker Takeo Spikes is entering his 12th season and his wisdom is extremely valuable to a young group of players at the position. Spikes' production has dipped in recent years, but he’s still a capable middle linebacker. Spikes has compiled over 1,000 tackles during his career and played a full 16-game season in 2008 for the first time in three years.

In addition to Wills, linebackers Manny Lawson and Parys Haralson are other young rising stars on the 49ers’ defense. Both Lawson and Haralson demonstrate excellent potential as edge pass rushers, a vital skill of an outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense. After being selected in the first round of the 2006 draft, Lawson has been somewhat disappointing but has a chance to rectify that during the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, Haralson is a relative unknown around the league, but the pass-rushing abilities he’s displayed have the San Francisco coaching staff excited about his future. With Willis patrolling the middle of the field, both Haralson and Lawson have a tremendous chance to make an impact on the perimeter.

With a cloudy situation at quarterback and relatively young offense in general, the 49ers’ defense will likely have to carry the team early in the season. San Francisco’s linebackers will need to play a major role in that scenario and the necessary pieces are in place to accomplish that feat.
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About Brad Wilbricht

Brad Wilbricht covers numerous sporting events including the NFL, NFL Draft and college football. His analysis is simulcast through several media outlets across the country. Additionally, Brad is a regular guest on a variety of talk radio shows and can be frequently heard on the airwaves. To ...
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