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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking Each Position by Strength Entering 2016

By Trevor Irvine

January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (9) kicks the game-winning field goal during overtime against the St. Louis Rams at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (9) kicks the game-winning field goal during overtime against the St. Louis Rams at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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San Francisco 49ers
Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson (29) runs the ball as San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Ian Williams (93) tries to make the tackle during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line

The 49ers defensive line is the clear-cut strongest unit of the team. It has difference makers in the interior in tackles Ian Williams and Glenn Dorsey. There is quality depth behind them with rookie standout Arik Armstead, Quinton Dial and Tony Jerod-Eddie.

There is also the nice mix of youth and experience, leadership and savvy.

The outside of the line isn’t quite as strong, though typically the line is rotated depending on the defensive scheme. The outside will be better in 2016 with the additions of No. 7 overall draft pick DeForest Buckner and fifth-round pick Ronald Blair.

Both Buckner and Blair have the ability to overpower their direct opponent and get to the quarterback. In 2015, Buckner had 10.5 sacks and 83 tackles (17.0 for loss) for Oregon. Blair had 7.5 sacks and 71 tackles (19.0 for loss).

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When you combine these guys with outside linebackers in Lynch and Brooks, and the interior line, 2016 promises a 49er revival in getting to the QB.

After only achieving 28 sacks last season (compared with 36 in 2014), the combined depth and talent, in addition to better defensive schemes, should result in an improved sack total in 2016. The 49ers should be aiming for 40-plus sacks as a team. If this defensive line continues to be the strength of the team, this is a very achievable goal.

Next: San Francisco 49ers: 5 Best Position Battles to Watch in Camp

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