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

By Bobby Horne

Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive line run 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 offensive line run 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 /

Ronald Blair

Role:

San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Ronald Blair is quite possibly the steal of the 2016 NFL draft. He can become the 49ers “Swiss army knife” with his versatility to play any position along the defensive line. Blair’s role will be as a rotational player mainly in passing situations. He will come in as an extra pass-rusher when needed.

Depth Chart:

Rotational. Blair’s versatility gives him a higher probability at receiving playing time during the season.

Impact:

One to two seasons. His presence will be felt when he is on the field, but it might take him a couple seasons to become a consistent threat along the defensive line.

Stat Prediction:

Nineteen tackles, 2.5 sacks and three tackles for loss.

Next: John Theus