49ers: Way-Too-Early Look at San Francisco's 2017 Starting Lineup

San Francisco 49ers: A Way-Too-Early Prediction of the 2017 Starting Lineup

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Daniel Kilgore (67) prepares to snap the ball during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; 49ers defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) looks on before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line

Defensive Tackle: Quinton Dial

Defensive Ends: DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead

2017 will be the year in which the 49ers fully employ 6-foot-7 bookends DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead in an every-down basis. Heck, they may be leaning that way anyway.

Nothing wrong with that.

One move, however, will be to lodge defensive tackle Quinton Dial into the nose position.

Dial has been one of the better run-stuffers in the NFL this season, according to Jeff Deeney of Pro Football Focus:

After two weeks, Quinton Dial leads all 3-4 DE with a run stop percentage of 13.2%. #49ers
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) September 20, 2016

This means San Francisco passes on re-signing free-agent-to-be nose tackle Ian Williams, who was the Niners’ top-ranked defender in 2016. Williams’ injury history means the 49ers might be looking to solidify the defensive line with more reliable players.

Dial is emerging as one.

Next: Offensive Line