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The competition for roster spots was always going to be tight with the regime change for the San Francisco 49ers. But one player who was in a trade rumor has no lack of confidence that he will be a starter for the 49ers. With the team spending a 1st round pick and one of their biggest free agent acquisitions on linebacker, NaVorro Bowman is confident that he will be a starter next season.
NaVorro, who only played 4 games last season due to a torn Achilles, will not be on the sidelines next season according to him. NaVorro looks to be almost back from his injury and having him on the team will mean rookie Reuben Foster can learn from one of the best linebackers in the league. Foster was a star LB at Alabama, but NaVorro will be tasked with showing the rookie how to prepare and play in the NFL. One day, Foster may replace NaVorro, but NaVorro is not ready for that to happen this season. The 49ers signed Malcolm Smith during the offseason and will likely pair with Bowman in the middle of the defense. He has lined up at weak side LB next to NaVorro during OTAs
A theme at OTAs has been the rotations at almost all units. Coming off a 2-14 season, the guaranteed starters on this team are not many and the coaching staff will look at every player to find players that fit their roster. Players will have every opportunity to prove they belong. Hopefully the competition will bring the best out of the players and will help improve the team for this season. NaVorro likes the competition because it pushes him and he believes that will push him to the starting role. Can’t wait to see him back out in the middle of the defense where he belongs.
49ers Links
Undrafted Rookies to Watch (Wagoner)
Looking for pass rushers | LEO (Barrows)
Some good changes coming | Rule Changes (Biderman)
2nd Year Improvement (Horneck)
49ers Win Award (49ers Staff)
Finally changed for the better | TD Celebration Rule Changed (Fann)
Big shoes to fill | BY’s Jersey Number Reissued (Maiocco)
Great decision | Best Acquisition (ESPN.com)
The Commish on Kap’s Situation (Smith)
He’s a Niner | NaVorro’s Trade Rumors (Biderman)
NaVorro is confident it will help him | LB Competition (Branch)
Bowman’s Confidence High (Maiocco)
Lynch’s Weight Heading Right Way (Barrows)
OTA Observation (Fann)
Guaranteed starter | Bowman’s Position on the Roster (Jones)
Moving Away from Trade Rumors (Inman)
Not many of them| Guaranteed Starter (Barrows)
Week 1 Notes (Cohn)
Player Updates (Fann)
OTAs (Barrows)
Takeaways (Biderman)
No Bowman Trade Talks (Florio)
49ers Video
Looking to build on his good season | Jeremy Kerley (49ers Video)