NFL Draft: Positional Priority List for the 49ers in 2016

Defensive Line

The 49ers rank dead last in the NFL in run defense in nearly every statistical category. This is alarming for the front office, and the 49ers need to address this issue immediately in the NFL Draft.

Although some of the problems on the D-line have been caused by injuries and youth, it’s mandatory to have a solid base three in a 3-4 defense scheme. The Niners have drafted a defensive player in the first round four consecutive years, and that trend could continue again this year.

Due to a nagging shoulder injury, defensive end Arik Armstead has foregone the rest of this year to undergo surgery. He should be ready to go by preseason next year, but the team still needs help on the line for depth.

The 49ers selected DeForest Buckner with its top pick last draft, and he has been starting for most of this season. If general manager Trent Baalke opts to draft another defensive end, it will be in the middle-to-late rounds because he has these players to build around.

Nose tackle is lead by veteran Glenn Dorsey and third-year player Mike Purcell. Dorsey, a former first-round pick by Kansas City in 2008, has been somewhat of a bust, only recording three sacks in three years with the Niners.

Purcell has seen his playing time increase this year after former 49ers nose tackle Ian Williams was sidelined due to injury. This year, Purcell has amassed 18 tackles and six assists, which is decent production for the first half of the year.

In terms of stopping the run, having a cog in the middle of the 3-4 front is essential to success. I believe the team should look for a nose tackle in the early rounds.

Players to Scout

NT Lowell Lotulelei, Utah ( 6-foot-2, 310 lbs) – Projected Rd. 2-3

NT Jarron Jones, Notre Dame (6-foot-5, 315 lbs) – Projected Rd. 3-4