San Francisco 49ers: 10 Biggest X-Factors for 2016 Season
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: Linebacker Aaron Lynch
Outside linebacker Aaron Lynch is the 49ers’ best pass-rusher on their roster, and it’s no surprise he was tied for the team lead in sacks last season with 6.5.
Still, San Francisco’s pass rush was anything but stellar in 2015. And Lynch may be asked to carry a good portion of the load this season. The first-round addition of defensive end DeForest Buckner should help open up more lanes for Lynch and Co. this season, but the third-year pro will have to showcase his talents on a more-frequent level.
Normally, Lynch wouldn’t be considered for this list. He’s already an impact player whose positive attributes have been well demonstrated over previous seasons.
But, given the absolute necessity the Niners have for reinvigorating the pass rush, a lot has to fall on Lynch’s shoulders to emerge as one of the better pass-rushers in the league this year.
Why He’ll Improve
Lynch graded out favorably last year, according to PFF. Despite a poor pass-rushing standard from the 49ers defense, Lynch still posted a plus-14.6 overall grade, a plus-11.0 pass-rush mark and a plus-2.2 in run defense.
The 49ers will benefit from having Buckner and second-year defensive end Arik Armstead as eventual mainstays along the defensive line which, in turn, should open up lanes for Lynch’s rushing abilities.
And if the Niners can get added production from fellow pass-rushers like Eli Harold and Tank Carradine, teams won’t exactly know where the 49ers pressure will come from.
All this benefits Lynch.
Why He’ll Disappoint
One major concern about Lynch could be his injury worries. Lynch missed two games last year, which isn’t anything over the top, but a full bill of health would be a nice thing to see here.
Additionally, there’s no guarantee Lynch will thrive with the offseason addition of Buckner and an up-and-coming defensive line. On paper, this should be a good thing. Yet it doesn’t automatically translate into numbers on the field.
But what makes Lynch a major X-factor for the 49ers this season will be how he responds to the Niners need for a pass-rushing prowess.
San Francisco had almost none of this last season.
Next: No. 3: DE DeForest Buckner