49ers: 2016 Depth Chart Prediction Amid Training Camp

Predicting 49ers 2016 Depth Chart Amid Training Camp

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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Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) warms up during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Right Defensive End

V1.0 Assessment:

Starter: Quinton Dial

Backup: DeForest Buckner

V2.0 Assessment:

Starter: DeForest Buckner

Backup: Quinton Dial

We get a swapping of roles here. Instead of defensive tackle Quinton Dial getting the start at right defensive end, first-round draftee DeForest Buckner gets the nod to open up 2016.

Why? Well Buckner has already started working with the first-team units, according to Rob Lowder of USA Today’s Niners Wire:

With DeForest Buckner seeing first team reps today, he and Arik Armstead have officially been reunited. The Duck stops here. #49ers
— Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) August 1, 2016

Again, this isn’t a slight against Dial. He’ll see his fair share of snaps, especially if the rookie struggles against the run early in his career.

But this scenario is best for San Francisco’s defense — two 6-foot-7 bookends, in Buckner and Arik Armstead — solidifying San Francisco’s defensive line.

Next: Center