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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/a68e8d64453ac79be5566bafbc2ed9f8f5059e4f756fc86e6ea0b20611f8eadf.jpg)
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