Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Best and Worst Players at Each Position Entering 2017

By Peter Panacy

Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) warms up with quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) warms up with quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (99) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (99) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line

Best Player: DeForest Buckner

Worst Player: Arik Armstead

Rookie defensive end DeForest Buckner was a no-brainer for this pick. He’s not only the best defensive lineman, but he’s likely the best cornerstone piece the 49ers have on the defensive side of the ball outside of linebacker NaVorro Bowman.

But fellow DE Arik Armstead was a major disappointment this year.

In fairness, Armstead’s lingering shoulder injury — the one that forced him on injured reserve just over the halfway mark into the season — plagued the 2015 first-round pick’s abilities to defend against the run.

And that certainly hurt San Francisco’s chances.

Is Armstead the worst player along the 49ers’ D-line? No. But his expectation level entering this season puts him in this spot on the list.