Niner Noise
FanSided

Predicting 49ers 2016 Depth Chart Before Training Camp

By Peter Panacy

Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Ian Williams (93) during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Ian Williams (93) during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Nose Tackle

Starter: Ian Williams

Backup: Mike Purcell

A lot of whether or not defensive tackle Ian Williams gets the start in Week 1 at this position will depend on his recovery from offseason ankle procedures.

Williams — who was the Niners’ best defender (plus-24.4), per Pro Football Focus, last year — may not be ready for the start of the season. And injuries have long been a factor in the 26-year-old lineman’s pro career. 2015 marked his first fully healthy campaign at the NFL level.

Head coach Chip Kelly (h/t Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee) stated Williams is still rehabbing his ankle and was not able to attend San Francisco’s OTA session.

So this will be a crucial element to monitor as the regular season nears.

Backing Williams up is an open-ended question mark. The job could go to fellow lineman Quinton Dial, although he’s probably pegged for a starting role early in 2016. So depth nose tackle Mike Purcell, who flashed some strong preseason moments a year ago, gets the call.

Next: Left Defensive End