49ers’ 2018 ‘Who Is?’ series: Defensive lineman Ronald Blair
By Peter Panacy
Niner Noise takes a look at one of the San Francisco 49ers’ front-seven defenders, Ronald Blair, and projects his role in this 2018 “Who Is?” edition of roster players this offseason.
There are only a handful of San Francisco 49ers remaining from the inglorious era of former general manager Trent Baalke.
Yet defensive lineman Ronald Blair — a fifth-round selection from the 2016 NFL Draft — is one of them.
Blair spent the majority of 2017 on injured reserve, yet managed to see action in six games after being activated in November. Over those six games, he managed two sacks and likely figures into San Francisco’s pass-rushing equation this season:
Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/12/2018.
At 6-foot-4 and 270 pounds, Blair can be seen a bit as a tweener, not particularly excellent in one position or another. Instead, he’s good enough at a number of spots. He’s played 1-Technique, 3-Technique, off the edge and even in coverage.
Although the last option isn’t always ideal.
Yet with the Niners finishing tied for 26th last season in sacks (30), it’s likely Blair is looked more as a pass-rushing option this season.
How will he go about achieving success in the role?
Why Ronald Blair Improves
Blair flashed some promise his rookie season, only to see his line of development interrupted by the 2017 injury.
At 25 years old, this season might wind up being something of a “coming out” party, where Blair finally becomes a regular member of San Francisco’s defensive line rotation. He’s already shown enough pass-rushing prowess to earn a regular role.
Probably the best spot would be at the left defensive end (big end) spot, although he’ll likely be slated behind the Niners’ top pick from the 2017 NFL Draft, Solomon Thomas.
With a major void on the other side of the line, though, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Blair placed at the LEO either.
One thing I would like to see more of in 2018 is Ronald Blair at LEO.
— 49ers HUB (@49ersHub) February 6, 2018
Blair only had two starts (played in 6) in 2017, in that time, he had 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 10 total tackles.
When Blair got his opportunity, he looked extremely good playing off the edge.
Especially if he thrives off the edge — an attribute NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein pointed out in Blair’s draft profile back in 2016.
Why He Regresses
One common problem with players who can showcase a lot of versatility is they often don’t necessarily excel at any one spot.
Blair has flashed promise when given the opportunity. But he has yet to cement himself as a regular starter.
Plus, according to Pro Football Focus, Blair’s 2017 pass-rush productivity rating was only 5.2 last year. Getting close to double digits in this category is where most of the merely “average” pass-rushers need to be.
San Francisco 49ers
It’s possible Blair has reached his ceiling as merely an OK situational pass-rusher.
And with a relatively crowded depth chart along the D-line, Blair still has a long road to climb to secure a regular role, let alone anything close to a starting job.
What to Expect in 2018
Blair would have to rise above the competition in training camp and the preseason for the 49ers to place him in any sort of starting role. His versatility all but assures him a roster spot this season, which is good, yet he likely projects as a reserve first.
The Niners will probably place Thomas at the big end on base downs, rotating to the inside on passing downs.
These moments are where Blair will get his chances. Yet he’ll face competition with other 49ers edge rushers, Jeremiah Attaochu and Cassius Marsh, who’ll likely set the edges in passing situations.
Attaochu and Marsh are two players Blair will have to compete directly with leading up to the regular season.
It’s a bit of a tossup to predict right now, although right now one might guess Blair is projecting to more of a backup role.
Next: Early 49ers 53-man roster predictions for 2018
Let’s see if that changes between now and Week 1.