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San Francisco 49ers: Projecting Each Prospect’s Role in 2016

By Jerod Brown

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (44) is defended by TCU Horned Frogs offensive tackle Halapoulivaati (74) and offensive tackle Matt Pryor (64) during the 2016 Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (44) is defended by TCU Horned Frogs offensive tackle Halapoulivaati (74) and offensive tackle Matt Pryor (64) during the 2016 Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

DeForest Buckner-Defensive Lineman

First Round Selection-No. 7 Overall

Most fans of the team should be well-versed in DeForest Buckner’s ability by now. With the pick being early Thursday night, there has been a ton of time to dig around and find what people are saying.

With Buckner still on the board at seven overall, it seemed like a fairly obvious decision for Baalke to make and he didn’t overthink this one. The 49ers defense is expected to play more snaps and starting nose tackle Ian Williams is injured to begin the offseason training program. Those two things combined to say–loud and clear–the 49ers needed to add some talent to the defensive line.

Baalke selected the best interior defensive lineman in the entire draft and Buckner will come in and make an immediate impact. As the team’s first choice, it makes sense to believe that Buckner should start from Day 1. However, that just isn’t likely if both defensive tackle Quinton Dial and nose tackle Ian Williams are healthy.

That’s not to suggest that Buckner won’t play a prominent role. In the 49ers sub-packages, Buckner will likely come in as a pass-rusher that adds length and athleticism outside.

Expect Quinton Dial to kick inside while Ian Williams is given rest. Remember, the NFL is rapidly transitioning to a pass-heavy league and Buckner will see near starter-number reps as a valuable asset to the 49ers defense.

If Williams is forced to sit out for an extended period of time, it is Buckner’s job to lose. He’ll compete with Mike Purcell and Glenn Dorsey for the role but Buckner will be given the benefit of the doubt as he adjusts to the NFL. If Purcell and/or Dorsey don’t make it clear that one of them is the best man for the job, it’ll be given to Buckner by the end of summer.

Next: Joshua Garnett