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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Oct 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Quinton Dial (92) reacts after making a tackle against the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Quinton Dial (92) reacts after making a tackle against the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Right Defensive End

Starter: Quinton Dial

Backup: DeForest Buckner

This is another position with some question marks, albeit mostly good, as 2016 approaches.

Nose tackle Ian Williams’ health will affect how the defensive line shapes up to start the season. If he’s unavailable, look for defensive tackle Quinton Dial to move to the inside. But if Williams is healthy, Dial will likely be pegged as the starter at the right DE position.

This would, of course, mean first-round draft pick DeForest Buckner wouldn’t be starting right away.

It’s not all that surprising. Despite Buckner’s accolades and draft-pick status, it wouldn’t be much of a shock to see the rookie featured more in sub packages and in strict pass-rushing roles to start his pro career.

And it isn’t as if Buckner won’t see his fair share of snaps either.

San Francisco’s defense will be tasked with frequent player rotations and substitutions over the course of the season. This is especially important to offset the uptempo offense featured by head coach Chip Kelly.

Buckner’s tasks may increase as the season moves on, but don’t be surprised to see him in more of a backup role to start 2016.

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