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San Francisco 49ers: ‘Keep or Cut’ Calls on 10 Notable Players for 2017

By Peter Panacy

Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on from the sidelines before the game against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on from the sidelines before the game against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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San Francisco 49ers
Aug 10, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) during training camp at Kezar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Defensive End Arik Armstead

There’s a bit of a discussion on whether or not third-year pro Arik Armstead can work out well in San Francisco’s new 4-3 defense.

Just ask Evan Sowards of our friends over at 49ers Hub:

Armstead wouldn’t be cut, so let’s cross that off. But San Francisco could try to trade him if the market is right.

The question is whether or not Armstead would fit in along the defensive line in a 4-3. He’d have to play the left-defensive end position. Typically LDEs have to be stout against the run. Armstead wasn’t last year, as his lowly 39.1 Pro Football Focus run-defense grade last year suggests.

But one has to remember Armstead was dealing with a shoulder injury all last season, which eventually ended his 2016 campaign prematurely.

San Francisco will figure out a way to see if Armstead works out in this new role. It’s hard to give up on first-round draftees after just two seasons, especially when one was hindered by injury.

Verdict: Keep