A Look at the 49ers Inside Linebacker Position

For years, the middle linebacker position was one of the primary strengths of the San Francisco 49ers defense.

San Francisco 49ers

This unit took a hit a couple of seasons ago when perennial All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman suffered his terrible knee injury against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game. The middle linebacker position is even weaker now with the retirements of Chris Borland and Patrick Willis.

But Bowman is returning after missing all of 2014, and he’ll be joined by the promising efforts of linebacker Michael Wilhoite.

So is this unit still a position of strength for San Francisco?

Bowman is a three-time All-Pro who seemingly surpassed Willis as the team’s top inside…