49ers: Top 10 Moments from San Francisco's 2016 Season

San Francisco 49ers: Top 10 Moments from the Otherwise Forgettable 2016 Season

Dec 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) pumps his fist as he acknowledges the cheers from the 49ers' fans after leading his team to a 22-21 come-from-behind win over the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

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December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) sacks New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: DE DeForest Buckner’s Ascension

There was a lot of pressure on rookie defensive end DeForest Buckner to contribute after the 49ers selected him at No. 7 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.

And perform he did.

Despite a sluggish start, Buckner has emerged as one of the premier players on San Francisco’s defense. Through 15 games, Buckner has posted 43 tackles. And his six sacks rank No. 1 among all Niners defenders on the year.

His 77.6 grade, per Pro Football Focus, ranks second on the team’s front-seven defense behind linebacker Gerald Hodges (81.8). And PFF ranks him No. 31 out of 125 qualifying interior defenders on the season.

Not bad. Not bad at all.

And it shouldn’t be a surprise the 49ers play him so much either.

In games he's been active, DeForest Buckner has played 89.5% of defensive snaps this season. No other member of #49ers DL is above 56%.
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) November 14, 2016