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San Francisco 49ers: Projecting Each Rookie’s Role in 2016

By Peter Panacy

Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Joshua Garnett (65) runs drills during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Joshua Garnett (65) runs drills during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Appalachian State defensive lineman Ronald Blair participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Appalachian State defensive lineman Ronald Blair participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Lineman Ronald Blair

Just when a team thinks it has enough pass-rushers, it’s always a good idea to add one more.

Such is the case with former Appalachian State defensive lineman Ronald Blair.

The 6’2″, 284-pound pass-rusher has the type of flexibility to allow him to play as either a defensive end or edge-rusher in sub packages.

Depth is going to be a critical factor for San Francisco’s defense under head coach Chip Kelly. A rotation, filled with good-to-better players, will be an absolute necessity to ensure the 49ers defense isn’t at as much of a risk from Kelly’s uptempo offense.

So giving Blair looks at various positions within the defensive front makes a lot of sense.

Projection

Blair isn’t a starter, and he won’t have to be. He’ll be a situational pass-rusher and a player capable of filling in on the end when needed.

He should have no problem making the 53-man roster.

Next: Rashard Robinson