Niner Noise
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Predicting 49ers 2016 Depth Chart Amid Training Camp

By Peter Panacy

Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) take the field for warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) take the field for warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 30, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; San Francisco 49ers lineman Arik Armstead attends the Oregon Ducks spring game at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; San Francisco 49ers lineman Arik Armstead attends the Oregon Ducks spring game at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /

Left Defensive End

V1.0 Assessment:

Starter: Arik Armstead

Backup: Tony Jerod-Eddie

V2.0 Assessment:

Starter: Arik Armstead

Backup: Quinton Dial

Second-year defensive end Arik Armstead has been one of the better performers in training camp so far, so it’s no surprise he retains his starting role at this spot within San Francisco’s defensive line.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee wrote of Armstead’s efforts in camp:

"Arik Armstead was the first lineman to go through each drill and had his second strong day in a row. Armstead is young — he’s only four months older than first-round pick DeForest Buckner — but he’s already showing leadership qualities in Year 2."

With nose tackle Mike Purcell appearing to be in line to anchor the center of the D-line, defensive tackle Quinton Dial seems poised to be the uber-backup player to relieve each starting position.

Dial replaces backup DT Tony Jerod-Eddie, who has seen his snap count decrease in recent seasons. While Jerod-Eddie will probably retain a roster spot, at least until defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey returns, he’ll likely be a slight rotational player at best.

Next: Right Defensive End