San Francisco 49ers: 5 Young Players to Watch in 2016

3 of 6

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 /

2. Arik Armstead

Arik Armstead was Trent Baalke’s first draft pick of the post Jim Harbaugh era. Baalke began the rebuilding process on defense with a tall, lean, strong and quick player who brought a lot to the field during his rooke campaign. In 2016, he’ll be looking to bring even more as a young veteran. What did Armstead bring to the table during his rookie season exactly? He brought a flashy playmaker to the 49ers defense. Why will he show more of that in year two? Yes. Here’s why.

A. Talent Level

According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Arik Armstead graded out second among 1st round defensive lineman from the 2015 NFL Draft, losing out only to New York Jet’s defensive lineman Leonard Williams. He also had a 12.3 pass-rush productivity rating, which was the highest among all 3-4 defensive ends who played at least 155 pass-rushing snaps last season. Armstead played 384 total snaps, finishing with 19 tackles, five assists and two sacks.

His talent goes beyond the numbers though, as his NFL Scouting Combine performance was amazing for a man his size. Posting a 5.10 in the 40 yard dash puts him as close to former Oregon and current 49er counterpart, DeForest Buckner, as one can get. They’re like twins and it’s exciting to see what Jim O’Neil, Jerry Azzinaro and the rest of the 49ers defensive coaches do with Armstead in 2016.

B. Coaching and Scheme Fit

For Armstead, the coaching is even more important than it is for Buckner. Armstead was a very raw talent, coming out of Oregon in 2015, causing then 49ers coach Jim Tomsula to take his time with the defensive lineman.

"Where we’re strong we just got stronger, in my belief. Also, as we’re all talking and I’m listening to you talk to (general manager) Trent (Baalke), we’re not in a situation where Arik has to come in and plug. So this is a place where we can bring a guy in that hasn’t had those years in the weight room. That was playing basketball, who’s still young in what he’s doing. And traditionally here, when you come in it takes some training. So we have that in that room where he’s added. It’s not the stress of a guy coming in and having to fill a hole."

Jan 15, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula speaks to the media during the introduction as the 49ers head coach at Levi /

Though Tomsula was horrific as a head coach, he was a great defensive line coach for the 49ers from 2007-2015. It’s a benefit to Armstead that he learned how to play defensive lineman in the NFL from Jimmy T. Hopefully he can carry this into the 2016 season.

C. Work Ethic

As with Buckner, it’s important for a player to be happy and their work ethic will shine through their perception of their situation. Of course, that can’t be the only reason a player works hard, but it certainly helps. Armstead was extremely happy when the 49ers drafted Buckner at No. 7 overall tweeting this out for the world to see:

Tweets by DeForestBuckner

Having friends (and family), who go through it with you, is essential to being able to rise up againts life’s challenges. It certainly seems like Armstead will have that this year in San Francisco, as well as someone that can help him train physically for the NFL season.

Prediction

Arik Armstead will finish with six to eight sacks and continue to be a force in the passing game as he grows into his role during his second season.

Next: 3. Eli Harold