San Francisco 49ers: Creating the Ideal Roster in 2017

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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 /

Defensive Line

Nose Tackle: Ian Williams (free agency)

Defensive Ends: DeForest Buckner, Quinton Dial

San Francisco welcomes back nose tackle Ian Williams, who was one of the Niners’ best run stoppers in 2015 before an ankle injury ended his 2016 campaign.

He’s currently a free agent, but it shouldn’t be too hard to lure Williams back on a team-friendly deal this offseason. An important target though would be having a solid nose backup in case Williams, often injured, goes down at any point of this upcoming season.

On the ends, no one will complain about second-year player DeForest Buckner. His ascent has been fun to watch. And San Francisco would be wise to start building a front-seven defense around him.

Putting Quinton Dial into a starting role would mean third-year pro Arik Armstead would be a rotational player. But Dial is notably better against the run, which is where the 49ers’ defensive upgrades need to start.

Armstead would get his snaps, especially in obvious passing downs. But he hasn’t convinced enough to be an every-down player.