San Francisco 49ers: 5 Positional X Factors for 2016 Season
Defensive Line/Pass-Rush
Like the offensive line, the 49ers pass rush used to be a strength, that is, until Justin Smith retired and Aldon Smith was arrested for the umpteenth time. After Smith’s release last August, the 49ers lost all hope of a pass-rush.
Former defensive coordinator Eric Mangini had this to say about it, given by Kevin Patra of NFL.com.
“He’s not a guy you can just replace; he’s got a unique skill set,” Mangini said, per the San Francisco Chronicle. “But one of the things we’ve focused on defensively is building flexibility in terms of what we can play.
For this slide, I could talk about a bunch of players. Eli Harold, Ahmad Brooks, Arik Armstead and Quinton Dial all come to mind, but let’s focus on the replacements for former pass-rush leaders Justin Smith and Aldon Smith.
First, Former sack leader Aldon Smith’s replacement…
Aaron Lynch
In each of the last two seasons, Aaron Lynch has amassed 6.5 sacks. As a rookie fifth round pick, this is impressive because most fifth rounders are lucky to play, much more to take a starting job. Lynch did have Aldon Smith’s job during his suspension, and took Ahmad Brooks’ job in Week 13 against the New York Giants.
In his second season, it must have been harder to get to the opposing quarterback. Lynch was without Justin Smith, who took up potential blockers, and Eric Mangini couldn’t call defense if his life depended on it. Mangini was blitz happy and had Lynch in coverage far too often for a great pass-rusher.
Lynch is a behemoth of a man at 6’5″ 270 pounds. He’s incredibly fast and has a quick burst too. His first step is explosive. Lynch has the height/weight/speed combination to make the perfect NFL edge rusher, in any scheme. He has all the tools you look for, and should be able to build on his first two seasons in year three.
Prediction
Lynch will lead the 49ers in sacks with somewhere between 10 and 15. Let’s go with him getting 12. He has the potential, if the defensive line plays well, to lead the NFL in sacks. That’s how talented a player Lynch is.
DeForest Buckner
Now onto Buckner.
Yes, Arik Armstead was drafted to replace Justin Smith, but Buckner is going to take care of that for San Francisco. Buckner is massive. He’s 6’7″ 291 pounds and as strong as a Bighorn Ram, according to ESPN Sport Science.
Buckner is also more polished than Armstead coming out of college and into his first NFL season. If you recall, Jim Tomsula’s staff brought Armstead along slowly last year. Whether that was the way to go is up for debate. Buckner will start from day 1. He’ll play all 16 games if he is healthy.
Prediction
Buckner is going to make noise as a rookie. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) has Buckner as a top 20 offseason addition that’s likely to make an immediate impact.
In the article, Pro Football Focus’ John Breitenbach states the following about Buckner:
"The defensive line is one of the few strengths on the 49ers’ roster, but Buckner was easily the best player available at seventh overall. He dominated in Pac-12 play, earning easily the highest grade amongst interior defensive lineman in this class. Quinton Dial and Glenn Dorsey are solid five-techniques, but neither has anywhere close to the potential of Buckner. He’ll also be reunited with Arik Armstead; together they can form a terrifying duo of interior pass-rushers."
Buckner’s biggest impact will come against the pass, but he’ll also have an effect in the run-game. Buckner should produce somewhere around five sacks this season, but as I stated before, his biggest impact will come from eating up blockers and helping the 49ers edge-rushers have one on one blocks.
Final Thoughts
Buckner and Lynch should improve the 49ers pass rush tremendously this year. While they won’t be the league’s best in all likelihood, the 49ers will be a very formidable unit, able to constantly stay fresh with a strong rotation.
Next: Wide Receiver