2019 Senior Bowl: 49ers should keep an eye on these inside linebackers

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Coming off a disappointing 4-12 season, the 49ers need to address many positions in the upcoming NFL draft. One that might not be at the top of the list, but is still a priority, is inside linebacker. 

While rookie Fred Warner developed into a very solid addition as the MIKE backer, the team still needs to address the WILL spot that was previously played by Reuben Foster. The team had a few players on rotation in 2018 but still needs to look for a solid replacement. 

Malcolm Smith is under contract until 2021 but spent his first season on injured reserve with a torn pectoral. He was only healthy enough to play in 12 games in 2018, as he dealt with a nagging Achilles injury. 

The inside linebacker class of 2019 is not particularly strong, but there are players that could develop into contributors. There is not one an elite standout, but rather players that would need to carve out a place on a rotational basis and on special teams. Most have a lot to prove at the Senior Bowl. 

Here are the inside linebackers for both squads who are intriguing draft prospects.

SOUTH TEAM

Deshaun Davis, Auburn, 5-11, 246
While he is a little smaller in stature, Davis is known for having high football IQ. He registered 112 tackles in his senior year at Auburn, 57 were solo, 15 were for a loss. He also registered 3.5 sacks. Davis is not the best in coverage but does tackle with aggression. He could have late-round value. 
Projected: Rounds 4-6.

Bobby Okereke, Stanford, 6-3, 234
Okereke has some size to him and is known as a good run defender. He has good lateral speed that could be a nice compliment next to Warner. While he needs to work on his ability to finish tackles, he does have decent coverage skills as a result of his athleticism. 

Okereke registered 94 tackles in his final year in Palo Alto, 52 were solo and 7.5 were for a loss. He also managed 3.5 sacks, five pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. 
Projected: Rounds 4-6.

[RELATED: Wide receiver prospects to watch at the Senior Bowl]

NORTH TEAM

Te’Von Coney, Notre Dame, 6-1, 240
Coney has good size to him and uses it well as a solid tackler. He registered 123 tackles in his final season at Notre Dame, including 9.5 for a loss. He snagged one interception and broke up four passes. 

Coney is stronger in the run game than in coverage but has decent range. He is explosive when hitting and running downhill. 
Projected: Rounds 2-4.

Germaine Pratt, North Carolina State, 6-3, 240 
Previously a safety, Pratt has decent coverage skills and range. He is a solid tackler and could be the most interesting of the group. He registered 104 tackles, 54 of which were solo and 10 for loss. He also had six sacks, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.

Pratt would provide later round value but as with most of the inside backers attending the Senior Bowl, they lack the coverage skills and ability to change directions that would make them elite. 
Projected: Rounds 4-6.

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