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San Francisco 49ers: Position-by-Position Prediction of 2016 Roster in Advance of Free Agency

By Peter Panacy

Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Anthony Davis (76) pass protects in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Anthony Davis (76) pass protects in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Quinton Dial (92) celebrates during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Quinton Dial (92) celebrates during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line (6)

Arik Armstead, Ian Williams, Quinton Dial, free agent, Tank Carradine, Mike Purcell

The 49ers will want to add some pass-rushing defensive linemen this offseason. And teams can never have too many pass-rushers.

Who that player may be remains to be seen. But a starting cast of D-linemen Arik Armstead, Ian Williams and Quinton Dial isn’t too bad in base formations. Of course, this would mean free-agent defensive tackle Ian Williams returns and gets back to work as one of the team’s best run-stuffers.

Defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey isn’t listed as it’s hard to predict whether or not he’ll be ready for game-time action following his season-ending knee injury last year. Week 1 of 2016 seems a little too soon.

It’s becoming clear fourth-year pro Tank Carradine isn’t cut out to be an every-down player and is likely best suited as strictly an edge-rusher.

Nose tackle Mike Purcell also turned heads this season and could win the job over restricted-free agent Tony Jerod-Eddie should San Francisco retain him in 2016.

Next: Linebacker