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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Arik Armstead 49ers
August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69) rushes Dallas Cowboys tackle John Wetzel (61) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Left Defensive End

Starter: Arik Armstead

Backup: Tony Jerod-Eddie

Second-year defensive end Arik Armstead ended up as the 49ers’ second-best defender a year ago, according to Pro Football Focus, with a plus-15.1 overall grade — all this while starting zero games over the course of 2015.

Armstead’s role will be even more critical this season, as the young up-and-coming defensive line looks to be one of the team’s few strengths.

Fortunately, a strong rookie campaign under his belt should do wonders in ensuring Armstead is a pocket-collapsing force capable of opening up lanes for San Francisco’s pass-rushers.

But a key aspect to watch will be how Armstead and Co. stop the run this season, especially in sub packages. This was a problematic area for the Niners defense a year ago and, if the 49ers want to control the clock, ensuring opponents’ ground games don’t maintain much of a prowess will fall largely on guys like Armstead’s efforts.

The 49ers have some flexibility and depth along the D-line, but it makes sense to insert Tony Jerod-Eddie as a primary backup option here.

Next: Right Defensive End