San Francisco 49ers: Expectations for the 5 Best Players in 2016 Season
By Peter Panacy
Linebacker Aaron Lynch
2015 PFF Grades:
- Overall: plus-14.6
- Run Defense: plus-2.2
- Pass Rush: plus-11.0
- Pass Coverage: plus-2.0
Outside linebacker Aaron Lynch may have been the 49ers’ best all-around player on defense last season, and he was the only Niners defender to rank in the positive out of all the aforementioned categories.
Lynch was tied with fellow linebacker Ahmad Brooks for the team lead in sacks last season (6.5) and, at 23 years old, it’s safe to say there is plenty of room for breakout potential.
Pat O’Holloway of Niners Nation broke down why Lynch hasn’t even come close to reaching his ceiling:
"If Lynch continues to improve and work on introducing more ways to beat linemen, the sky is the limit for this guy. He came in very raw and made an impact (being a steal of a pick in 2014). 2016 will be a big test for Lynch. Let’s see if and what new moves he brings to the table to move forward."
To think, Lynch was one of only a handful of bona fide pass-rushing threats the Niners had last season. Opposing defenses knew Lynch was the one pass-rusher they had to monitor, which made scheming against him that much easier.
And he still managed to grade out very positively.
Now, the 49ers have complemented Lynch and the pass rush with an upgraded defensive line — pocket-wrecking forces like defensive ends Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner.
This should make life for Lynch much, much easier as opponents’ offensive lines will have to contend with more than just one or two guys collapsing the pocket. More lanes should be available, which gives Lynch a chance to truly break out in 2016.
Speaking of Armstead…
Next: DE Arik Armstead