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San Francisco 49ers: 10 Bold Predictions for the 2016 Season

By Peter Panacy

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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DeForest Buckner 49ers
Dec 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive end DeForest Buckner (44) celebrates after a sack in the second quarter against the Arizona Wildcats in the Pac-12 Championship at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: DE DeForest Buckner Wins 2016 Defensive Rookie of the Year Award

This is something which could actually happen.

San Francisco got an absolute steal in Round 1 of the 2016 NFL Draft when former Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner fell to the Niners at No. 7 overall. Buckner, who was tabbed as the No. 2 overall prospect on more than one draft board, will be reunited with former Duck head coach Chip Kelly and former UofO defensive line teammate Arik Armstead.

Buckner and Armstead will bookend a promising defensive line, which will now force opposing offensive lines to try to guard against two 6’7″ defenders trying to destroy the pocket.

Tack on Buckner’s demonstrated collegiate pass-rushing prowess, and it’s easy to see why the Niners’ first-round selection may wind up being a force right away.

The bigger impact may be felt by how Buckner opens up lanes for San Francisco’s additional pass-rushers — not unlike what retired defensive end Justin Smith used to do during his tenure with the 49ers.

So let’s go with the nice prediction of Buckner earning Defensive Rookie of the Year accolades in 2016.

Next: 49ers Go 10-6, Earn a Playoff Berth