San Francisco 49ers: Is Arik Armstead Poised for a Breakout Season in 2016?

The San Francisco 49ers drafted Arik Armstead with their first pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. After an encouraging rookie year, is the 49ers’ defensive lineman poised for a breakout season in 2016?

When NFL commissioner Roger Goddell called Arik Armstead’s name as the 17th pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, most 49er fans disliked the choice. With players like Marcus Peters and Dorial Green-Beckham still on the board, it was hard not to question the thinking involved with the pick.

Armstead experienced typical growing pains as a rookie but he could be poised for a breakout season in 2016.

“He just turned 21 years old. His best football is ahead of him, and I think he’s a perfect fit for what they need.” – Mike Mayock

Armstead played defensive line at the University of Oregon and was a two-sport athlete, playing basketball for the university as well. Armstead officially committed to football full-time and is continuing to develop as he focuses solely on football.

Mike Mayock, the noted NFL Network draft expert, suspected the 49ers would target Armstead in his final conference call before the 2015 NFL Draft. Less than a year later and Mayock’s prediction was accurate.

At 6’8” and 290 pounds, there were no doubts about Armstead’s size but he was largely considered a project when he was drafted. The 49ers, having recently lost All-Pro defensive tackle Justin Smith, took a chance on the Oregon Duck being the man to replace the “Cowboy”.

Armstead was immediately inserted into a defensive line rotation that seemed to be one of the team’s strengths in 2015, despite the poor play elsewhere on the field. Former head coach Jim Tomsula had served as the team’s defensive line coach since 2007 before his promotion and his former position group was the deepest of any on the team.

First round picks are essentially guaranteed roster spots as rookies and Armstead was no different. His development, however, would take place on the practice field as he opened the season low on the depth chart.

Like other positions on the 49ers, injuries to starters gave Armstead an opportunity for more playing time and the rookie impressed.

The 49ers will have a decision to make along the defensive line this season. Ian Williams, the team’s underrated nose tackle, will be a free agent and is going to be paid plenty by some team.

His performance has earned him a payday and, although the 49ers will have money to spend, there’s a good chance they’ll be competing against other teams to sign Williams. When healthy, he has continually proven to be a critical piece in the middle of a young defense.

Whether general manager Trent Baalke brings Williams back or not, Armstead will have an opportunity to earn a starting spot in 2016. If Williams is re-signed–and he should be–he’ll start at nose tackle for the team, leaving two spots along the defensive line to fill. Despite not starting as a rookie, it’s reasonable to envision a scenario in which Armstead gets the nod his second season.

Defensive tackle Quinton Dial will be a front-runner for one of the available positions. And he should earn the spot relatively easily.

Armstead will be left to compete with Mike Purcell, Glenn Dorsey and any free agent acquisitions that Baalke might make.

The New York Jets’ defensive lineman Mo Wilkerson will be a free agent in March and, despite a season ending injury, will see teams lining up to sign him. Ryan Sakamoto of Ninerfans.com discussed how the 49ers might be interested in signing Wilkerson during the offseason to bolster the defensive line.

Fans can easily remember the strength of the team’s defensive line during former head coach Jim Harbaugh’s tenure and Wilkerson would be an addition that immediately makes the group the best it’s been in years.

So where does that leave Armstead? He will enter the offseason programs in the thick of a competition for the remaining spot along the 49ers defensive line.

And Armstead can win the starting role, regardless of who else is fighting for it.

While Armstead learns the nuances of playing with leverage, developing a complete pass-rusher’s skill set and learning to diagnose plays cleanly, it’s hard to ignore the immense physical talent that jumps off the screen.

And Armstead has been demonstrating this impressive strength since his time in college.

Pay close attention to the play at the 45-second mark. And then tell me that it doesn’t look an awful lot like one of the best plays in recent 49er memory.

The 49ers defense was at its best when Justin Smith was able to control multiple blockers at the line of scrimmage. Doing so required incredible strength and directly benefitted those around him. Specifically, former 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith.

The 49ers were able to employ multiple stunts while rushing the passer and, as a result, guards and tackles typically needed help to block both players on any given play. With both Aldon and Justin gone, the 49ers can utilize the same process with different players.

The team has a powerful young pass-rusher in Aaron Lynch and Armstead can step in to be the defensive tackle that occupies multiple blockers while Lynch harasses opposing quarterbacks.

Although Tomsula is no longer with the team, there may be an equally impressive coach filling his shoes in the coming season.

According to CSN Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco, there’s a good chance that new head coach Chip Kelly could be bringing a friend with him to Santa Clara.

Assuming Maiocco’s correct, and he usually is, the 49ers could be getting a coach to motivate and develop Armstead to reach his untapped potential. NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger certainly thinks so.

If you’re curious to know exactly what this lesser-known coach might be about, Tim McManus of phillymag.com has highlighted Jerry Azzinaro’s journey as coach, including among Kelly’s staff.

Armstead showed tremendous improvement throughout his rookie season. Each week he continued to get better, especially as he received more repetitions in games.

The 49ers will be experiencing turnover among coaches and players all offseason. Young players that elevate their level of play can immediately settle an organization looking for leaders at any position.

Arik Armstead has an opportunity to win a starting role and have a breakout season in 2016. With Aaron Lynch to play alongside, and a coach in Azzinaro that is expected to help rapidly develop the young man, Armstead is one of the young core players on the team that can have a massive impact in a short time.

The 49ers need him to assume the role of “Cowboy” and take a major leap to be a dominant player in 2016.

Next: Top 10 Playoff Games in 49er History

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and ESPN.com unless otherwise indicated.