Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 10 Biggest X-Factors for 2016 Season

By Peter Panacy

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ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 12: Defensive lineman DeForest Buckner #44 of the Oregon Ducks looks on in the first half during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium on January 12, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – JANUARY 12: Defensive lineman DeForest Buckner #44 of the Oregon Ducks looks on in the first half during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium on January 12, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Defensive End DeForest Buckner

As noted on the previous slide, former Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner should be a major contributor to the 49ers defense this season.

Buckner may not get starting reps his rookie year — those may likely be reserved for a starting line of Arik Armstead, Quinton Dial and Ian Williams. But Buckner will see his chances. The Niners will likely have a fairly deep defensive rotation along the line, so Buckner’s size and prowess should be on display pretty early.

The pressure is always on first-round draftees to perform at a high level right away. This isn’t something from which the 49ers have enjoyed much in recent seasons. And being a top-10 selection, San Francisco will want the most from Buckner at the soonest possible moment.

Why He’ll Improve

Buckner starts his pro career with high expectations and collegiate accolades under his belt. That’s a very good thing, considering his company. He’s already been regarded as a better prospect than former Duck teammate Armstead, and Buckner probably has a much higher ceiling as well.

Fortunately, Buckner won’t be asked to be the best force on a bad defensive line. If anything, San Francisco’s D-line is the best unit, overall, on the team.

This gives the rookie a chance to showcase his strengths on a relatively regular basis without exposing him to the young-player risks associated with first-year players.

Why He’ll Disappoint

As is the case with any heralded draft pick, there exists the risk of turning bust really quick. This isn’t to state Buckner will be such a player. If anything, Buckner could easily wind up being one of the better prospects selected by the Niners in some time.

But will those expectations ever be matched by the on-field production?

If Buckner winds up being merely an OK player — even his rookie season — the rest of the league may view the 49ers’ first-round selection as a bust. It’s a lot of pressure for an up-and-coming rookie and, given the Niners’ hopes for him to help turn the franchise around, Buckner has some big shoes to fill.

And this makes him a true X-factor in nearly every sense of the word.

Next: No. 2: RB Carlos Hyde