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

By Nicholas McGee

January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jimmie Ward (25) runs the football during the fourth quarter against the St. Louis Rams at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jimmie Ward (25) runs the football during the fourth quarter against the St. Louis Rams at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 47-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 47-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Arik Armstead

Though it took some time for him to get going, Arik Armstead’s rookie year was a quiet but impressive one.

He was considered a very raw prospect coming into the league but his potential as a pass rusher was evident throughout 2015, despite him ending the campaign with only two sacks.

Armstead, per PFF, racked up 38 total pressures last season and topped the metrics site’s pass-rush efficiency statistic for 3-4 defensive ends. He should be able to get home on more of those pressures in 2016 for the simple reason that he will be playing alongside Buckner.

Armstead is of a similar physical stature to Buckner at 6’7″ and 292 pounds and has no problem pushing the pocket when matched up one on one with a pass protector.

Opposing O-lines will struggle to double both Buckner and Armstead on a consistent basis and – with the sheer power both possess — they should be able to take advantage when presented with a one-on-one matchup.

As a result Armstead’s sack numbers could increase significantly in 2016, but O’Neil is also confident in his ability to influence the 49ers’ run defense.

Armstead did show improvement as a run defender down the stretch and, if he continues to make strides and is able to up his production in terms of sacks, he can become recognized as a high-caliber defensive interior player.

Next: Aaron Lynch