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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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Oct 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) reacts after recording a sack against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Packers defeated the 49ers 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) reacts after recording a sack against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Packers defeated the 49ers 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

The Likeliest Scenario

San Francisco is going through some major transformations on the defensive side of the ball, and ensuring the pass rush stays potent is just as important as ever.

2014 and 2015 revealed Lynch’s potential. He is talented, and there’s no questioning that.

Only the questions surrounding his work ethic and dedication remain, and those aforementioned weight issues will continue to follow Lynch until, well, they don’t.

Lynch’s issues defending against the run probably eliminate him from being a base, every-down defender this season. And the addition of Elvis Dumervil could negate the need for Lynch to be the primary third-down pass-rusher as well.

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So, most likely, the 49ers employ Lynch as a situational pass-rusher this season. They’ll hope he can replicate the same numbers seen from his first two years at the pro level.

Cutting him is still a very real possibility, but the Niners could have easily gone this route earlier if they felt the need was there.

Instead, Lynch has the opportunity to prove himself again.

Next: New-look predictions for the 49ers roster in 2017

San Francisco is hoping he does.