Niner Noise
FanSided

Predicting 49ers Starting Lineup After 2016 NFL Draft

By Bobby Horne

Oct 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) stands in the huddle during a break in the action against the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) stands in the huddle during a break in the action against the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 14
Next
Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 47-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 47-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line

  1. Arik Armstead
  2. DeForest Buckner
  3. Ian Williams
  4. Quinton Dial
  5. Glenn Dorsey
  6. Mike Purcell
  7. Ronald Blair

Given the fact that both Williams and Dorsey are injured, Buckner will start on day one at right defensive end. Buckner will end up becoming a rotational DE in sub packages just as Armstead did in 2015 as soon as Williams is healthy.

Dial will start at nose tackle and move back to starting right DE when Williams is back. Armstead will win the left DE starting job after great rotational work last season. He will be the full-time starter.

Look for Purcell, Dorsey and Blair to provide rotation all season.

Next: Outside Linebacker