San Francisco 49ers: 5 Potential Breakout Players in 2016
By Peter Panacy
Defensive End Arik Armstead
The 49ers may not have seen too much of an immediate return on investment the first half of defensive end Arik Armstead’s rookie season in 2015.
The 6’7″, 296-pound first-round selection of the Niners last year never even started a game but ended up receiving a more distinguished role and snaps following the season-ending knee injury to veteran defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey.
And the potential was on full display.
Armstead slowly got better as the season wore on and demonstrated the likelihood of becoming a bona fide force along the defensive line in coming years. He ended up with a plus-15.1 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus — not bad at all.
Arik Armstead is a bad man. #49ers pic.twitter.com/XnOW3NlhZQ
— Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) January 4, 2016
As was the case at the University of Oregon, Armstead likely won’t get the stats to make him look like a key figure along the Niners defense.
But he won’t have to. It will be his job to simply use his strength and skill set to create problems within opposing offenses.
Why He’ll Break Out
Comparisons used to link Armstead to current Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell. And it’s not just the size comparison.
Armstead’s strength will be even more of a factor in 2016 after a year of NFL football under his belt. And fans should be expecting more of this in the coming year:
Arik Armstead just put that poor guard on skates. Pushed him clear off the screen. So much power. #49ers https://t.co/krjIipcecc
— Oscar Aparicio (@BetterRivals) January 3, 2016
A pocket-wrecking force.
Next: WR DeAndre Smelter