Branch: 49ers need a starting linebacker, but is that a draft priority? (paywall)
“The loss of Al-Shaair, who started 22 games the past two seasons, is not insignificant. However, the 49ers’ strong-side linebacker leaves the field when they deploy their nickel defense, replaced by a slot cornerback. That’s why Al-Shaair was a part-time player in 2022, logging more than 55% of the defensive snaps in just two of 12 games.”
49ers 2023 prospect watch: Penn State S Ji’Ayir Brown would be mid-round steal
“Watching Brown play football is a delight.