Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Starting Lineup Predictions for 2016 Season

By Trevor Irvine

Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebackers huddle 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 linebackers huddle during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 9
Next
Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 47-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 47-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line

Starters: Ian Williams, Glenn Dorsey, Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner

Backups: Quinton Dial, Mike Purcell, Ronald Blair

The Niners are sure to use a rotation here, and players will be moved around to maximize the confusion for the opposition.

Ian Williams and Glenn Dorsey will be the tackles on base downs, with Arik Armstead and rookie DeForest Buckner playing the ends. Depending on the scheme, these guys could swap around or a linebacker could line up on the line.

Quinton Dial and Mike Purcell are excellent effort players, and bring quality depth to the line. Rookie Ronald Blair brings good pass-rush ability.

The Niners need Williams and Dorsey healthy to be at their best. This line is the deepest on the squad, but you just cannot rely on depth, you also need production.

This group struggled for parts last season in stopping the run. This cannot happen in 2016.

Next: Linebackers