San Francisco 49ers: 5 Players Poised to Break Out in 2016
By Jerod Brown
Arik Armstead-Defensive Tackle
Arik Armstead was drafted in the first round for a reason. To call him a breakout candidate feels slightly silly considering the 49ers have high expectations for him.
By all accounts, he ought to “break out” and, in reality, reach his potential. Armstead earned himself a starting role through his play at the end of the 2015 season. He’ll enter training camp as the favorite at defensive tackle.
The team drafted Armstead’s linemate from Oregon, DeForest Buckner, in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Buckner will come with heavy expectations but Armstead will need to lead by example. He looks absolutely massive in recent photos and, if he can pair that natural size and strength with ability, the 49ers will have bookend defensive tackles for years.
.@arikarmstead never expected to play with @DeForestBuckner again, but he's not arguing.https://t.co/IxAxu0wrXo pic.twitter.com/X9nHwocEb8
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) May 20, 2016
When the two players are side-by-side, it’s clear how big these two men are. While Buckner certainly has enough size, Armstead looks like all he’s done this summer is workout.
The team is expecting him to combine his incredible size and athleticism with the technique necessary to be successful. Coming out of college, many draft pundits used the word “raw” with Armstead to explain that he had the physical traits to play in the NFL but needed time to develop.
Last year, under failed-head coach Jim Tomsula, Armstead likely got the teaching he needed. Armstead stood out occasionally at the tail-end of 2015 and fans are anxiously looking forward to what he can become.
In case you forgot about Arik Armstead.. Puts the RG on skates https://t.co/M9JldNMOTh
— 49ers HUB (@49ersHub) May 21, 2016
Armstead transitions speed rushes into power exceptionally well and the team will look for continued development in 2016. As a full-time starter on defense, Armstead is a breakout candidate to generate a pass-rush for a needy team.
In the 49ers 3-4 defense, Armstead won’t be relied on to be a sack-producing superstar. However, the team needs him to collapse pockets and create havoc for other players to clean up. Expect five or six sacks for Armstead in 2016, with many more assists for others.
Next: Offensive Workhorse