San Francisco 49ers: 5 Rookies Who Could Start Right Away in 2016
By Peter Panacy
Defensive End DeForest Buckner, Oregon
OK, so the 49ers’ first draft choice in 2016 should be a shoo-in candidate to start this season, right?
Well, maybe not necessarily. Nose tackle Ian Williams (ankle) is questionable for the start of the regular season. But if he’s ready to go, the Niners may roll out a defensive line consisting of Williams and defensive ends Arik Armstead and Quinton Dial. Rookie defensive end DeForest Buckner may be rotated in to start the year.
Still, if the hype ends up matching the production, it will be impossible to keep Buckner off the field.
At 6’7″ and 300 pounds, Buckner is a better prospect than Armstead. And Buckner adds something Armstead does not — pass-rush potential. Buckner netted 18 sacks (10.5 last season) over four years at Oregon.
With Armstead, the 49ers could use Buckner to bookend what looks to be one of the more promising D-lines in the NFL in coming seasons.
This should likely be the case if Williams is unable to go. Even if he is, Buckner could still get the nod to start based on his potential impact alone.
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Even if Buckner isn’t tabbed as a starter right away, he’ll likely see plenty of action his rookie season. Ideally, San Francisco will employ a rotation along its D-line in order to keep this unit fresh and offset head coach Chip Kelly’s uptempo offense.
Regardless, having Buckner on the field gives the 49ers a meanness and physicality which has been lacking in recent seasons.
For that reason alone, Buckner has to be considered a top candidate to start in 2016.
Next: Early Projections for 49ers 2016 Rookie Class
All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.