Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Projecting 53-Man Roster in 2016

By Peter Panacy

August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69, left) and outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) celebrate during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69, left) and outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) celebrate during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Quinton Dial 49ers
Oct 11, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite (57) and defensive end Quinton Dial (92) stop New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /

Defensive Line

Nose Tackle: Ian Williams, Mike Purcell

Defensive Ends: Arik Armstead, Quinton Dial, DeForest Buckner, Tony Jerod-Eddie, Ronald Blair

No, rookie defensive end DeForest Buckner likely won’t be starting right away. And that’s just fine. He’ll get his fair share of snaps this season, and the 49ers will want to press their first-round investment from 2016 into the fray as soon as possible.

Instead, stalwart defensive lineman Quinton Dial will be listed as the starter along with second-year pro Arik Armstead.

At the nose position, Ian Williams should also get the start. He was ranked as San Francisco’s best defender in 2015 (plus-24.4 overall), according to PFF, but his ankle issues could keep him out of the starting lineup in Week 1. Should that be the case, Buckner might have a chance to start right away.

Keep an eye on fellow rookie draftee Ronald Blair as well. He won’t be used in anything more than specific pass-rushing situations this season, and as backup depth, but this project might be something of note.

Veteran defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey (knee) probably won’t be available to start the regular season. And it wouldn’t be surprising to see San Francisco stash him on injured reserve for the entire year or part ways with him altogether — depending on how younger players are developing.

Next: Offensive Line