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San Francisco 49ers: 5 early predictions for the 53-man roster

By Robert Smith

May 5, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Noble Nwachukwu (64) and defensive lineman Villami Latu (92) and defensive lineman James Duberg (90) and defensive lineman Jamar Simpkins (93) wait for a drill during the 49ers Rookie Minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Noble Nwachukwu (64) and defensive lineman Villami Latu (92) and defensive lineman James Duberg (90) and defensive lineman Jamar Simpkins (93) wait for a drill during the 49ers Rookie Minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) holds onto his shoe after it came off during action against the Houston Texans. The Texans defeated the 49ers 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) holds onto his shoe after it came off during action against the Houston Texans. The Texans defeated the 49ers 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Aaron Lynch will be a starter at LEO/SAM position

If you have read anything regarding some of the offseason happenings with the team, reports are out EDGE Aaron Lynch showed up out of shape.

That definitely has some questioning if Lynch is motivated and committed to build upon the moderate success (12.5 sacks in his first two seasons) he had since being selected in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

After all, Lynch had just 1.5 sacks during an injury-riddled and disappointing season in 2016.

In fact, there were rumors that sprouted up he was in jeopardy of being cut before the season starts. But Lynch seems to be willing and able of competing, at least from the looks of this footwork drill:

While it remains to be seen if he can show more than just flashes of pass-rush ability, he seems to have the natural ability to get after the quarterback.

With the disappointing season last year, that saw one of the worst defenses ever fielded by the organization under former defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil, Lynch may be able to regain some of his early success under new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.

Natural pass-rushers in today’s NFL are at a premium. And if Saleh and his staff can tap into Lynch’s best attributes and provide him with a clear, defined role in this defense, Lynch should be able to beat out Tank Carradine, Eli Harold, Ahmad Brooks and Ronald Blair at the LEO position.

Arik Armstead’s role remains undefined, as it has been reported that he has taken snaps at the LEO in the edge rusher role but could slide inside as well.

I predict Lynch rises to the challenge and starts this season at the LEO.