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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Bold Predictions for Training Camp

By Peter Panacy

Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) take the field for warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) take the field for warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) warms up 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 defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) warms up during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Defensive End DeForest Buckner Makes the Starting Lineup

First-round draftees, especially early ones, are frequently asked to step in and contribute right away. And this case especially applies to the 49ers, who drafted former Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner at No. 7 overall.

There is little doubt Buckner will be a major contributor his rookie season. But will he start?

A first-take look at San Francisco’s defensive line might look something like this:

  • LDE Arik Armstead
  • DT Ian Williams
  • RDE Quinton Dial

If this was the case, Buckner would be a rotational player. And the 49ers figure to use a lot of rotations on defense this season.

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrates after sacking Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrates after sacking Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Yet one factor to consider is nose tackle Ian Williams is still recovering from an offseason ankle procedure, which puts his status for Week 1 in some doubt. If this was the case, defensive tackle Quinton Dial would likely be asked to move to the nose position.

This opens up the door for Buckner to start.

And there are more reasons as well.

Let’s draw a brief comparison to Buckner’s former teammate at Oregon, Arik Armstead.

Armstead, another first-round pick, never actually started any games in 2015 but managed to see 384 snaps — most of which came at the tail end of the season. He impressed during that time and earned a plus-15.1 overall grade, per PFF.

Buckner is even better than his predecessor, so it’s entirely possible the rookie asserts himself into the discussion so much, that the 49ers can’t avoid keeping him off the field in a starter’s role.

Let’s go with that prediction here.

Next: No. 3: Erik Pears Earns RT Spot