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San Francisco 49ers: 10 Players Entering a Make-or-Break Season in 2016

By Peter Panacy

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on during the second 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 quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on during the second 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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Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Corey Lemonier (96) reacts to dropping an interception during the overtime period against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. San Francisco won 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Corey Lemonier (96) reacts to dropping an interception during the overtime period against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. San Francisco won 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 7: Outside Linebacker Corey Lemonier

Oh, to think the 49ers traded up to land linebacker Corey Lemonier in Round 3 of the 2013 NFL Draft.

Since that point, Lemonier has been nothing else than a disappointment. Even while getting opportunities to showcase his talents — made possible by suspensions to former 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith — Lemonier has managed to register a mere 27 tackles and one sack.

Those aren’t exactly eye-popping numbers for the former Auburn pass-rusher.

Even when the 49ers were struggling with pass-rushing options in 2015, Lemonier only managed to get on the field for 275 defensive snaps, per PFF — among the lowest within San Francisco’s defense.

Entering his fourth year, Lemonier will have to try to assert himself over second-year pro Eli Harold — Harold surpassed Lemonier on the depth chart a season ago — as well as contend with former defensive end, turned edge-rusher Tank Carradine.

Lemonier is another one of those players who may not even make the roster this season. True, the Niners don’t exactly have a ton of depth here. But the roster spot may be more precious than keeping the 24-year-old veteran around as a backup option and special teams contributor.

Even if he makes the team, it’s hard to state his future beyond 2016 looks good.

Speaking of Carradine…

Next: No. 6: EDGE Tank Carradine