Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Don’t sleep on these key reinforcements coming back in 2018

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 01: Joshua Garnett #65 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers ran in for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 01: Joshua Garnett #65 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers ran in for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 29: Defensive tackle Arik Armstead #69 of the San Francisco 49ers lines up against the Denver Broncos during preseason action at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on August 29, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the 49ers 19-12. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 29: Defensive tackle Arik Armstead #69 of the San Francisco 49ers lines up against the Denver Broncos during preseason action at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on August 29, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the 49ers 19-12. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Defensive End Arik Armstead (Hand)

He could wind up being a player without a position next year, but third-year defensive end Arik Armstead might still end up playing a significant role in the 49ers defense next year.

As you may recall, Armstead was lost for the year after suffering a broken hand back in Week 6 against the Washington Redskins. Sure, his transition to an outside edge rusher in a 4-3 scheme this season wasn’t fluid, as Armstead registered only eight tackles and 1.5 sacks over six games played.

But we can’t overlook his Pro Football Focus pass-rush productivity ratings prior to 2017 either (h/t 49ers Hub):

Armstead might lose out on a starting job, thanks to the Niners’ selection and development of fellow DE Solomon Thomas this year. But that doesn’t mean Armstead isn’t worthy of a rotational spot.

And with the Niners’ pass rush hurting all season, perhaps another offseason of adjustment pushes Armstead into a prominent edge-bending role in 2018, lessening the pressure to find a prolific pass-rusher in free agency or the draft.