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San Francisco 49ers: Breaking down each 2017 scenario for EDGE Aaron Lynch

By Peter Panacy

Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) looks on from the sideline during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) looks on from the sideline during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) is chased down by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. 49er’s won 26-21.Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) is chased down by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. 49er’s won 26-21.Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Aaron Lynch Starts at LEO

Without getting too deep into the Xs and Os, base formations and nickel packages, let’s first explore the notion Lynch actually winds up being the team’s starter at LEO.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

The LEO position, of course, is the right defensive end in a hybrid-like system the 49ers will employ under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. It’s reserved for the team’s best pass-rusher, and Lynch is about as prototypical as it gets for this role.

In base formations, however, the LEO may be subject to more running plays. According to Pro Football Focus, defending against the run isn’t exactly a top strength for Lynch. He posted a mere 44.4 run-stopping grade in 2016.

San Francisco does have some other options here to consider.

Chief among them are Arik Armstead and Elvis Dumervil, whom the Niners signed just a few days ago.

Armstead isn’t particularly good against the run either, and Dumervil — 33 years old — may be best equipped to be a situational pass-rusher at this point in his career.

So, by default, Lynch could be the primary guy to set the edge and see the lion’s share of snaps at this position.

It’s not ideal though. Lynch has never been a true every-down player, and his weight concerns may spill over into the regular season.