49ers depth chart 2022: Predicting defensive starting lineup

49ers Defensive Line

Left Defensive End: Nick Bosa

Left Defensive Tackle: Arik Armstead

Right Defensive Tackle: Javon Kinlaw

Right Defensive End: Samson Ebukam

After spending a second-round pick in the draft on USC EDGE Drake Jackson, San Francisco continued its seemingly yearly trend of reinforcing the defensive line, and it remains one of the strongest and deepest positions heading into 2022.

Jackson likely won’t start, though, as he’ll need some run-defense work before he can emerge as a three-down player. For now, he’ll likely be a situational pass-rusher, and that’s fine.

Pro Bowl EDGE Nick Bosa regularly moves from the strong side of the formation to the weak side, so one doesn’t have to always lock him into a right defensive end spot. However, the opposite edge rusher is a position fully up for grabs.

Perhaps someone like Charles Omenihu surprises here, and the 49ers could look to get the same kind of production from their 2020 sack leader, Kerry Hyder Jr., who’s back after a one-year stint with the Seattle Seahawks.

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However, at least based on competency in both run-stopping efforts and the pass rush, especially late last year and into the playoffs, EDGE Samson Ebukam seems to be a top candidate.

Meanwhile, the Niners hope third-year pro Javon Kinlaw can finally take that next-level leap after missing all but four games last season with a knee injury. Kinlaw, the 2020 first-round draft choice, will be tasked with filling a massive void left by now-Denver Broncos nose tackle D.J. Jones.

Fortunately, Kinlaw’s already established run-stopping prowess makes him a solid two-down player already.