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San Francisco 49ers: Breaking down defensive line’s alignment in 2017

By Peter Panacy

October 22, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 22, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-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 /

49ers Defensive Line Roster Predictions

We could spend a long, long time going over Xs and Os, but Chris Wilson has already done that for you. Let’s predict who makes the cut and why.

4-3 Base D-Line Starting Lineup

  • LDE — Solomon Thomas
  • NT — Earl Mitchell
  • DT — DeForest Buckner
  • RDE — Aaron Lynch

Aaron Lynch gets the nod at right defensive end over Arik Armstead, given his better numbers versus the run — 44.4 run-stopping grade, per Pro Football Focus, compared to Armstead’s 39.1.

Nickel D-Line Starting Lineup

  • LDE — Ahmad Brooks
  • LDT — Solomon Thomas
  • RDT — DeForest Bucker
  • RDE — Arik Armstead

The nickel formation prediction illustrates how a personnel hybrid may work. Veteran linebacker Ahmad Brooks occupies the left defensive end spot, close to where he would be as a SAM in base schemes.

Both DeForest Buckner and Solomon Thomas remain the interior linemen, but Arik Armstead is inserted as the primary EDGE. This is due to his excellent pass-rush productivity.

Reserves

Defensive lines require a great deal of rotation, especially if there’s a crop of pass-rushers. Teams can never have too many of those, right?

Rookie defensive tackle D.J. Jones is a favorite to be the immediate backup to Earl Mitchell at the nose. There isn’t anything wrong with that. And San Francisco should be able to count on versatile veteran defensive tackle Quinton Dial as a primary backup for any of the D-line positions.

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Dial has played both nose and end positions over his pro career, and this flexibility shouldn’t be overlooked. The same should be said of second-year pro Ronald Blair.

But one of the names standing out during OTAs, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, is defensive tackle Chris Jones. If he’s able to maintain this prowess, look for him to be a key interior backup as well.

San Francisco also has two EDGE players looking for a roster spot — Tank Carradine and rookie Pita Taumoepenu.

Next: 5 49ers on the hot seat this offseason

A guess would have Carradine getting the early shot, especially considering the switch to this scheme may actually play to his strengths. Taumoepenu is a bit raw and may benefit from a year on the practice squad.