San Francisco 49ers: 6 Players Who Will Break Out in 2016

DeForest Buckner

When the 49ers drafted Arik Armstead in the first round in 2015 the consensus was it would take some time for the defensive lineman to develop into a starter up front.

Armstead was used primarily as a pass rusher in his rookie year, but the Niners are not expected to put similar restrictions on DeForest Buckner.

The 49ers used the No. 7 pick on Armstead’s former running mate on the D-line at Oregon and will likely be put in a position to be a significant factor on the defense in his maiden campaign.

Buckner has been working with the third-team defense in the early stages of the 49ers’ offseason preparations, however, that does not figure to be the case for long.

Rated as PFF’s top interior defender in the nation in 2015, Buckner’s size and skill set make it impossible to keep him off the field.

Standing at 6’7″ and 300 pounds with arms over 34 inches long, Buckner is a bully up front who consistently overpowers offensive linemen and has the motor to do it for four quarters.

Buckner’s frame sees him draw regular double teams and he can also gain penetration through the use of an effective swim move — putting up 10.5 sacks in 2015. He proved an elite run defender in college and had few issues stacking and shedding blockers to make the play.

Possessing versatility that allows him to be deployed as a 3-4 defensive end, a nose tackle and an interior rusher in a nickel front, Buckner can make an impact in a number of ways.

Having drawn comparisons to Calais Campbell, the 49ers should not hesitate in getting Buckner in the lineup and, although NFL offensive linemen present a bigger challenge, his skill set and physical tools will likely enable him to enjoy a productive first season and potentially contend for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Next: Arik Armstead