Niner Noise
FanSided

Rethinking 49ers 53-man roster predictions one week into training camp

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - MAY 23: Dontae Johnson #36 of the San Francisco 49ers participates in drills during 49ers Rookie Minicamp on May 23, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - MAY 23: Dontae Johnson #36 of the San Francisco 49ers participates in drills during 49ers Rookie Minicamp on May 23, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 25: Nick Bosa of Ohio State reacts after being chosen #2 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 25: Nick Bosa of Ohio State reacts after being chosen #2 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line (8)

Weak-side Defensive End: Arik Armstead, Dee Ford

Weak-side Defensive Tackle: DeForest Buckner, Kentavius Street

Strong-side Defensive Tackle: D.J. Jones, Solomon Thomas

Strong-side Defensive End: Nick Bosa, Ronald Blair

Don’t read too much into the starters and backups here, especially when trying to figure out why someone like defensive tackle Arik Armstead would start over EDGE Dee Ford.

Starters are listed for base, run-stopping formations. Ford, who isn’t much of a run stopper, will come in and play the weak-side edge-rushing spot on passing downs. Nose tackle D.J. Jones will be off the field, opening up a rotation between Armstead and third-year pro Solomon Thomas, who is looking much more rejuvenated in training camp so far. That’s a good thing.

The 49ers’ top pick from this year’s NFL Draft, EDGE Nick Bosa, has also impressed a lot during training camp. Not just a top-tier pass-rushing prospect, Bosa held his own against the run at Ohio State, too. He could easily wind up being an every-down player.

Even though Robert Saleh stressed to remind reporters Bosa is still just a rookie.

Either way, the Niners boast five former first-round draft picks along their defensive line, including 2018 Pro Bowler DeForest Buckner, whose prowess should only improve with the added talent.

San Francisco’s defensive line is easily the deepest position on the team during training camp, and it could arguably wind up being a top-five unit in this category for 2019, too.