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San Francisco 49ers: Early predictions for 2017 depth chart, 53-man roster

By Peter Panacy

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers right cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) reacts in the game against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers right cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) reacts in the game against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 5, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (96) looks on during the 49ers Rookie Minicamp at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (96) looks on during the 49ers Rookie Minicamp at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line (8)

Nose Tackle: Earl Mitchell, D.J. Jones

Left Defensive Tackle: DeForest Buckner, Quinton Dial

Left Defensive End: Solomon Thomas, Ronald Blair

Right Defensive End: Arik Armstead, Tank Carradine

The 49ers addressed their nose tackle needs in this new 4-3 alignment by signing free-agent Earl Mitchell earlier this offseason. He has an injury history, so adding D.J. Jones via the NFL Draft was a smart pickup as well. There’s a good chance he becomes a steal.

There’s no reason not to start second-year pro DeForest Buckner and rookie Solomon Thomas on the left side of the defensive line. Buckner was one of only a few bright spots for the Niners’ 2016 defense, and having Quinton Dial back him up and act as a rotational player is smart as well.

The major question is what to do about the right defensive end, or LEO, position.

This is usually reserved for the team’s best edge rusher. San Francisco doesn’t exactly have one here, although Arik Armstead could wind up thriving in the role. At least in base formations.

But this means there’s only one spot remaining on the depth chart, assuming the Niners keep only eight D-linemen.

Tank Carradine wins out over Aaron Lynch here, largely due to Lynch reporting to minicamp overweight and out of shape. Again. It’s why Niner Noise broke down why the team should part ways with him now.

Related Story: 49ers should part ways with EDGE Aaron Lynch

Carradine has also been a disappointment. But the switch to a 4-3 might be the last saving grace for Carradine’s career in San Francisco. It was his natural position at Florida State.