Another linebacker? 49ers say ‘Why not?’

By Darrell Laurant  |   Friday, July 13, 2007  |  Comments( 24 )

San Francisco 49ers
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The San Francisco 49ers waited out the supplemental draft on Thursday, then went home with a prize -- linebacker/DE Mark Washington of Texas State, who wasn't chosen.

A lot of NFL teams saw Washington as a hybrid without a real position. A defensive end at Division I-AA Texas State last season, the 6-foot-3, 250-pounder has spent the last few months trying to lose enough weight to look more like a linebacker.

Best suited for a 3-4 defense, Washington has covered 40 yards in 4.6 seconds and had four sacks for the Bobcats last season after transferring in from Arizona State. The 49er coaches like his potential, but not enough to spend a 2008 draft pick on him.

That, however, might be more of a commentary on the 49ers' depth chart than Washington's ability. The list of linebackers includes Brandon Moore, Manny Lawson, Roderick Green, Tully Banta-Cain, Colby Bockwoldt, Derek Smith, Jay Moore and first-round draft pick Patrick Willis. At least half are as big as Washington.

If he were to make the squad, the Long Beach, Calif., native is envisioned as a strongside outside 'backer. His strength is edge rushing, his weakness is pass coverage.

For what it's worth, Washington is also said to be an accomplished poet and actor.

The linebacker position is going to be one of the more hotly contested in summer drills, with Smith, Banta-Cain, Lawson and Willis as the probable starters going in.

Washington's contract was for two years, no signing bonus, and he may well end up on a developmental squad.

Make sure to check out our new "News & Fantasy" section on the upper right-hand side of the homepage. Get daily San Francisco 49ers insight at RealFootball365.com
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