2016 NFL Draft: Early Projections for 49ers 11 Picks

DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon

Despite rumors that he would be drafted as high as third overall to the San Diego Chargers, the San Fransisco 49ers managed to land what is arguably the best defensive lineman in the draft in Oregon’s DeForest Buckner.

With a defense that ranked nearly last in both run and pass defense, this pick represents a grand slam for general manager Trent Baalke.

During his senior season at Oregon, Buckner played over 80 percent of defensive snaps, racking up 83 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. This was accomplished on a defensive line in which Buckner was the main focus from an offensive standpoint. Teams routinely ran away from Buckner, or at the very least, double- or triple-teamed him.

When they didn’t, they paid for it.

Entering into a 49ers defensive front featuring the likes of Aaron Lynch, Quinton Dial and Ian Williams, Buckner will also be reunited with former teammate and 2015 first-round selection Arik Armstead. They’re both listed at 6’7″ and just under 300 pounds.

Given nose tackle Ian Williams’ continued struggle with injury, Quinton Dial may be asked to step in at the NT position, leaving Armstead and Buckner as the primary bookends for the 49ers base 3-4 defense.

Buckner will not only provide his own pressure, but as previously mentioned, will excel at stopping the run and absorbing blocks to free up outside linebackers Lynch, Eli Harold and other blitzing defenders.

Projection: Immediate Impact

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