San Francisco 49ers: 5 Biggest Weaknesses Entering 2016
No. 4, Injuries on the Defensive Line
Luckily for the 49ers, their defensive line is loaded with talent. First round defensive ends Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner, from Oregon, head a group of potential superstars. Both of Chip Kelly’s former and current DE/DTs stand 6’7″ and weight 290-plus pounds. With the athletic ability they possess, they project to be terrors this upcoming season for the 49ers.
Last season, defensive tackle Mike Purcell made his presence felt on the nose. He was stellar in preseason and filled in admirably on goal-line packages. Quinton Dial was also great as a starter last season.
Unfortunately, a 3-4 defensive line takes at least a five-player rotation, but up to seven players can be very strong. These three lineman can’t carry the weight and pressure on their own. But the 49ers’ strongest veteran D-linemen, Ian Williams and Glenn Dorsey, are either injured or coming off an injury from last season.
Dorsey’s ACL injury is coming along well, according to David Fucillo of ninersnation.com. In his column, Fucillo discusses a media session with general manager Trent Baalke, where Baalke says:
"(Glenn Dorsey) is healthy. He’s rolling along. He’s going to be fine. He’s obviously coming off the injury but he’s made great progress and that looks to be in good shape."
On the worse side of things, Ian Williams status for Week 1 may be in doubt.
49ers DT Ian Williams has undergone more than one ankle surgery that has left his status for the season opener in question, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 21, 2016
This has really been a crazy development. The problem is this: Williams has become one of the veteran leaders on the team. After losing Justin Smith on the D-line, Williams brings the most impact and experience for the 49ers.
It has also effected the 49ers’ long term plans.
After Ian Williams could not pass physical, he and 49ers redid their 5-year, $27.5M contract and created a 1-year deal worth up to $6M.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 21, 2016
Hopefully Williams heals well, and quickly, because he’s a superstar who never sees the field. The 49ers and their defensive line need his impact as a player and a leader to be effective in 2016.
Next: No. 3, Depth at Corner