San Francisco 49ers: Breaking Down Strongest, Weakest Positions in 2016
By Jerod Brown
Defensive Line
A common technique in human relations is to sandwich critiques between a couple of compliments. For the fragility of the 49ers front office, let’s start by applauding the team’s greatest strength moving forward.
The San Francisco 49ers, after looking helpless in 2016, finally have a significant strength to point to. After selecting Oregon defensive lineman DeForest Buckner seventh overall, the 49ers are building one of the youngest and most-athletic defensive lines in the league.
Starting nose tackle Ian Williams remains a question mark but the team has depth behind him that instills confidence moving forward. Sophomore Arik Armstead looks poised to insert himself into the starting lineup. Former fifth-round pick Quinton Dial is quietly one of the most-effective defensive lineman in the league. While not particularly dominant at anything, Dial is versatile enough to play any spot on the line and solid as a run-stopper and pass-rusher.
Add Buckner to those two and you have a young, talented defensive line with the length to harass offensive linemen consistently.
Behind the starters are quality players that will be useful as Chip Kelly’s system speeds up the pace of the game. Mike Purcell is strong and athletic, with the ability to fill in anywhere along the line. Glenn Dorsey provides veteran leadership and, although he is coming off an injury, he represents a former-starter with the experience to teach younger players.
The starting unit combines three powerful players that will occupy double teams and allow inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman to flow to plays cleanly. The reunion of Oregon teammates Armstead and Buckner gives the 49ers long-armed bookends to occupy interior lineman during passing downs, nearly guaranteeing that outside linebacker Aaron Lynch will see more one-on-one matchups.
While Armstead, Buckner and Dial may not load the stat sheet with sacks, they are crucial in the improvement of the pass-rush for the 49ers in 2016. After being bullied on defense in 2015, the 49ers biggest strength is now their defensive line in 2016.
Next: Defensive Weakness