Youth Movement Will Dominate 49ers 2016 Roster

With OTAs coming to a close and training camp on the horizon, the new, Chip Kelly-led San Francisco 49ers are amidst a competitive offseason that will see young talent emerge as key contributors.

The San Francisco 49ers are nearing the peak of a youth movement in 2016.

In 2012, per SB Nation’s Turf Show Times, the 49ers had the 27th youngest roster in the NFL. So in other words, they were five spots from being the oldest.

in 2016? 6th.

In four years, the 49ers have gone from nearly the oldest roster in the NFL, to being less than one year away (in terms of average age) from the top spot.

For a 53-man roster inherited by new head coach Chip Kelly, this means a lot of competition, as few veterans are entrenched in their roles as they have been in years past.

In Patrick Willis’ old spot? Competition.

In Justin Smith’s role? Competition.

In Aldon Smith’s place? Competition.

In Vernon Davis’ position? Competition.

Veteran and storied members of the 49ers have moved on, leaving competitive fire in their wake that will take years to clarify and completely settle.

In the midst of such an undetermined and turbulent roster, there are youthful, hungry players poised to take their place as key cogs in Kelly’s new machine.

Bruce Ellington Will Emerge As Key Contributor

There is not a battle within the 49ers roster that is as wide open as the wide receiver position.

Behind Torrey Smith, the competition for the second and third role on the WR depth chart is up for grabs.

Chip Kelly’s offense commonly uses three-WR sets, so the players that can solidify these roles will be due for massive upticks in production (which isn’t exactly saying much.) Nonetheless, it is rare that such prominent roles in an offense can be within reach by so many different players at a position.

Despite the possibilities, Bruce Ellington will finally solidify his place as a genuine playmaker.

Ellington’s versatility will be the key in his emergence that pushes him over the top of so many other worthwhile candidates.

Whether it’s on sweeps, as seen above, passes out of the backfield, short or longer routes, Ellington has shown flashes of potential that have yet to materialize. No longer.

In interviews that can be found on 49ers.com, veterans Antione Bethea and Torrey Smith, when asked about the WR competition early on, immediately referred to Ellington has a player that was separating himself from the group.

Yes, we have only completed OTAs that are done in helmets are shorts, but this is significant praise from two leaders on both sides of the ball.

Ellington will emerge as one of Kelly’s most valued offensive weapons.

Jimmie Ward Will Become A Defensive Mainstay

There is no defensive player on the 49ers roster that is more versatile than Jimmie Ward.

In his two years with the 49ers, Ward has played two different positions: nickel cornerback and safety.

Now, entering into his third year, it seems he will add yet another position to his arsenal, as Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee establishes:

"Ward, who spent his first two seasons with the 49ers as a nickel back and backup safety, has been lining up at right cornerback during recent practices. It’s only June, and the team still is in trial mode. But the experiment involving Ward seems to be going well.Defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil said his goal this spring is to identify the 49ers’ top defensive players, and he made it clear Ward is in that category.“I know he’s one of our best 11. That I do know,” O’Neil said last week. “So we’re trying to find ways to get our best 11 on the field. So far, what he has shown out on the practice field – I’m confident that he could do it out there."

With Ward currently competing at right cornerback, it has become apparent that he will be among the defenders that sees the most action in 2016, continuing his rise to prominence after a solid outing in 2015.

Defensive Line Will Impose New-Found Dominance

Aaron Lynch. Arik Armstead. Quinton Dial. DeForest Buckner. Eli Harold.

From left to right, there is a chance that the above is the 49ers defensive front in 2016.

Their average age? 22.

While there is some uncertainty at the nose tackle position with Ian Williams recovering from yet another injury, this has the makeup of a young, budding defensive line ready to burst on to the scene.

Aaron Lynch has been making the best of his situation since he entered into the 49ers fray in 2014. As you can see below, you is among lofty company:

Lynch will greatly benefit from the continued development of Arik Armstead, the 49ers 2015 first-round pick whom also fared very well in limited action, as Pro Football Focus details:

"He flashed enough on 384 snaps as a rookie that everyone should be excited about what he could become, with 38 total pressures recorded as a rookie. His 12.3 pass-rushing productivity rating was the highest of any 3-4 defensive end who played at least 155 pass-rushing snaps in 2015."

Quinton Dial, being granted an extension during the offseason, will likely have an impact at either the NT or RDE spot, where 2016 first-round selection, DeForest Buckner, will likely also be contributing.

A now retooled Eli Harold will also be hungry to carve out a more significant role. He and DeForest Buckner could establish a rapport of the right side, as Armstead and Lynch do the same on the left.

This is only a small group of youthful 49ers who are on the cusp on becoming household names to not only the team, but the league.

When you also take into account names like Carlos Hyde, Jaquiski Tartt, Joshua Garnett, and Eric Reid, you can see the evolution and emergence of youth in a roster that, although successful, was recently among the oldest in the league.

As with any young player, there will be growing pains, but with these pains will come an experience that will help build the foundation for successful years to come.

Next: 5 Best Position Battles to Watch

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