San Francisco 49ers: 5 Players fighting for their futures in 2018

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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Eddie Lacy #27 of the Seattle Seahawks is tackled by Eli Harold #57 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 26, 2017, in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Eli Harold

Harold is in the final year of his rookie deal and his time in the league hasn’t been living up to par. He was a pass-rushing specialist back in college with 17.5 sacks, but now he only has five during the same three-year stretch.

Granted, he was a bit out of place in the SAM linebacker role, but now the team feels he will finally meet up to his potential in the LEO position. John Lynch said this via the Sacramento Bee:

"“We think Eli’s got some skills. We felt like he made great progress at the SAM linebacker spot last year, but we do believe he has some rush ability that is untapped. And we need to tap it. And we’re going to give him that opportunity.”"

It will be interesting to see how he fits into this scheme and how he gets playing time amongst all of the other edge rushers. Especially considering his 50.4 pass-rush grade and that he’s not a fit at linebacker in this defensive scheme.

The LEO role is his last chance to make an impact with the 49ers. If not, then he will be just another Corey Lemonier.