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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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Oct 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) reacts after recording a sack against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter at Levi
Oct 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) reacts after recording a sack against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter at Levi /

Aaron Lynch

With 12.5 sacks in two seasons, it is fair to say that on some level Aaron Lynch has already broken out.

However, the 49ers’ top pass rusher has another level he can reach, and the circumstances are as such that 2016 is the perfect time for him to take the next step.

Lynch, per PFF, finished the 2015 campaign at No. 8 among edge rushers in pass-rush productivity with 38 total pressures. Although he was drafted in the fifth round in 2014, Lynch’s success is not a shock given his range of abilities.

He has outstanding athleticism for a man of 6’5″ and 270 pounds and regularly gets a great jump off the snap, displaying the speed to get around the edge and the power to take on blockers when defending the pass and the run.

A persistent player with quick feet and a relentless motor, Lynch is a very tough pass rusher for O-lineman to stop.

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And he should provide an increasingly stern challenge for pass protectors given the holes Buckner and Armstead are likely to open up with the doubles team they and nose tackle Ian Williams can soak up.

Able to hold his own in coverage because of his athletic abilities, Lynch is developing into a well-rounded player at the outside linebacker position. If he can capitalise on the potential extra room the presence of Buckner and Armstead could afford him, there is little to stop Lynch from posting double-digit sacks and contending for a Pro Bowl nod in 2016.

Next: San Francisco 49ers: Offensive Line, Running Game Will be Improved in 2016

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro Football Reference and Sports Reference unless otherwise indicated.