It looks like the 49ers will open the 2017 season with both starting middle linebackers from last year’s NCAA National Championship Game on their roster.
San Francisco is likely to reach an agreement with Ben Boulware to become the final member of their practice squad, after the undrafted LB out of Clemson was released by the Panthers last week, as reported by Matt Maiocco of NBA Sports Bay Area. Though some sources have reported as the deal being done, Maiocco says at this point it remains unofficial.
#49ers expect to have practice squad completed (keeping spot warm for former Clemson LB Ben Boulware) in time for tomorrow’s first practice.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 5, 2017
Agreement likely with the #49ers, but the signing is not yet official for the Jack Lambert Award winner to join SF practice squad. https://t.co/S7NsuUsZJY
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 5, 2017
Though he only managed one tackle in limited preseason action, Boulware was a stud at Clemson in 2016, winning the Jack Lambert Award as the nation’s top linebacker and was named a second-team All-American by AFCA, Football Writers Association, Phil Steele, USA Today and Walter Camp. He finished the season 131 tackles in 882 snaps (14 starts) and added 11.5 tackles for loss and four sacks.
While considered tough, competitive and an excellent leader, Boulware went undrafted due to his size (6 feet tall) and lack of quickness. He is considered by many to be too small to be a starting linebacker in the NFL but could make a name for himself as a special teamer.