Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Identifying 5 Cornerstone Players on 2017 Roster

By Peter Panacy

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
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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
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 /

No. 1: Defensive End DeForest Buckner

This one should be a no-brainer selection.

It might have taken a bit for 2016 first-round draftee DeForest Buckner to adjust to life at the pro level. But the 49ers rookie defensive end came on strong down the stretch and managed to be tied for the team lead in sacks when it was all said and done (six).

Overall, Pro Football Focus awarded Buckner with a 77.2 overall grade — highest among San Francisco’s defensive front and only second to linebacker Gerald Hodges’ 82.4 mark.

More from Niner Noise

Buckner is a linchpin of the defense moving forward. There’s no question about that.

So it would be wise for the 49ers to start building around him. Adding a healthy DE Arik Armstead (shoulder) in 2017 should help. And if the Niners land a solid nose tackle to join the defensive line, this unit can start a road back to dominance in the very near future.

Next: Creating the Ideal 49ers Roster in 2017

Buckner is a key piece. San Francisco just needs to make sure he’s featured as such.