PFF ranks 49ers front-seven 23rd in the league

Jul 11, 2016 at 12:25 PM--


After the San Francisco 49ers quarterback situation ranked second-to-last in the league according to Pro Football Focus, the team's defensive front-seven came in slightly higher at number 23.

"Each team we check in with has the starters in base packages alongside a select group of players who are likely to be key contributors in a rotation, sub-package, or as competition in training camp for some incumbent starters," said Ben Stockwell of Pro Football Focus. "The 49ers allowed 5.13 yards per carry in sub packages last season, the fourth-worst mark in the NFL."

The advanced analytics site listed DE DeForest Buckner, NT Ian Williams, DE Quinton Dial, OLB Aaron Lynch, OLB Ahmad Brooks, ILB NaVorro Bowman, and ILB Gerald Hodges as the team's projected starters.

They also listed DE Arik Armstead, DE Glenn Dorsey, OLB Eli Harold, OLB Corey Lemonier, and ILB Michael Wilhoite as other names to know.

"Led by Ian Williams, the 49ers' base run defense is in safe hands, but they allowed nearly 2 yards per carry more in sub-packages than base, the biggest drop-off in the league last year," explained Stockwell. "While the addition of Buckner to pair with former Oregon teammate Arik Armstead adds to their interior pass-rush, the 49ers' sub-package run-D has to raise its game in 2016, Williams is the key to the 49ers' run defense, and teams can remove him from the equation without blocking him, simply by forcing San Francisco into their nickel and dime defenses. Another year removed from a devastating knee injury, San Francisco will hope that NaVorro Bowman can be close to his old self in coverage after he allowed the most yards and broke up the fewest passes in a single season since he entered the starting lineup last year."



LISTEN

Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News


placeholder image

Orlovsky: 49ers' Brock Purdy amongst best in league in key area

By Rohan Chakravarthi
Sep 27

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the New York Giants in Week 3 to the tune of 30-12, with quarterback Brock Purdy throwing for over 300 yards for the first time this season, despite facing a unique defensive approach from defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. To combat the 49ers' high-octane offense, the Giants elected to blitz at the highest rate in the Next Gen Stats era, sending extra pressure at Purdy on 33/39(84.6%) of his dropbacks. After some early inefficiencies, Purdy settled in, finishing 20/31 with 247 yards and two touchdowns against the blitz, which included a high-level throw-and-catch to rookie wideout Ronnie Bell while backpedaling. Purdy's performance against the blitz was good enough that former NFL quarterback and current analyst


placeholder image

Fred Warner: 49ers offense as fun to watch as any in the league

By David Bonilla
Sep 29

Fred Warner is part of an elite defense, a unit that could once again end up being the best in the NFL. However, when the San Francisco 49ers offense is on the field during games, the star linebacker can't help but feel like a fan in the stands. "People probably think that we are busy talking about scheme and looking at iPads, but in reality, I'm sitting there, I'm glued, watching the field when the offense is out there," Warner admitted to Mark Willard and Dan Dibley on 95.7 The Game. "They're as fun to watch as any offense, I think, in the league. You talk about the star power, the skill, the talent at each skill position." That star power includes playmakers like running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle, and wide receivers Deebo Samuel and


placeholder image

PFF's highest- and lowest-graded 49ers players vs. Cardinals, plus snap counts

By David Bonilla
14 hrs

The San Francisco 49ers improved their record to 4-0 after a 35-16 win against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4. Today, Pro Football Focus released its grades from the game. Which Niners played well, and who has more work to do? Below are Pro Football Focus' five highest-graded 49ers players on offense against the Cardinals. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 93.4, 42 snaps Christian McCaffrey, RB, 91.0, 47 snaps Trent Williams, LT, 90.1, 54 snaps Brock Purdy, QB, 79.8, 54 snaps Willie Snead IV, WR, 79.0, 7 snaps Below are the five highest-graded 49ers players on defense. Nick Bosa, DE, 89.6, 48 snaps Kendall Sheffield, CB, 84.8, 12 snaps Dre Greenlaw, LB, 70.1, 58


placeholder image

49ers D-linemen earning impressive PFF grades compared to previous seasons

By David Bonilla
Sep 29

The San Francisco 49ers defense has racked up eight sacks this season, which puts the unit around the middle of the pack in the NFL. The Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers lead the league with 13 sacks apiece. Although, the Lions have played one more game than the Steelers as of this article's publish date. Don't mistake the Niners' sack total for a lack of pressure, though. When it comes to flustering opposing quarterbacks, San Francisco's defensive line has been among the best this season. The 49ers entered the offseason knowing they wanted to shore up the interior of the defensive line, finding a stout body to line up next to Arik Armstead. So general manager John Lynch and company went after the best available defensive free agent, paying a significant


Featured

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone