San Francisco 49ers: Predicting a Week 1 53-man roster, depth chart for 2018
By Peter Panacy
Defensive Line (9)
Nose: Earl Mitchell, D.J. Jones
3-Technique: DeForest Buckner, Sheldon Day
5-Technique: Arik Armstead, Ronald Blair
LEO: Solomon Thomas, Cassius Marsh, Jeremiah Attaochu
There might be adequate depth along the 49ers defensive line, but that doesn’t mean this unit is without question marks.
San Francisco 49ers
The biggest, of course, is the outside pass rush. Namely, the lack of it. A year ago, San Francisco finished tied for 26th in the league with just 30 sacks. The team’s best pass-rusher, EDGE Elvis Dumervil, is no longer with the team, and the Niners are now relying on edge rushers Cassius Marsh and Jeremiah Attaochu to supply the outside pass-rushing efforts.
Both have a combined 16 career sacks between them.
2017 No. 3 overall pick, Solomon Thomas, will be at the right defensive end spot on base downs, though. He’ll look to build on what was a disappointing rookie season, although a bona fide role this year should help matters. Look for him to bump over to the left defensive end (big end) in passing situations, though.
Likewise, defensive tackle Arik Armstead will hold that spot in base downs. It’s his most natural position, thankfully, which should put his talents to maximum use this season.
Overall, San Francisco’s best D-lineman is DeForest Buckner, whom Pro Football Focus ranked the No. 6 best interior defender in 2017.