"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."
Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
How PFF graded George Kittle, other 49ers in win over Bears, plus snap counts
By David Bonilla
Dec 9
The San Francisco 49ers improved their record to 6-7 after a 38-13 win against the Chicago Bears in Week 14. Today, Pro Football Focus released its grades and snap counts from the game. Which Niners stood out, and who has more work to do?
Below are Pro Football Focus' five...
How PFF graded Brock Purdy, Dre Greenlaw, other 49ers players vs. Rams, plus snap counts
By David Bonilla
Dec 13
The San Francisco 49ers dropped their record to 6-8 after a 12-6 loss against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15. Today, Pro Football Focus released its grades and snap counts from the game. Which Niners stood out, and who has more work to do?
Below are Pro Football Focus' five...
49ers mailbag: What do the 49ers have left in the tank for the last four games? Will SF bring back Robert Saleh? Can Brock Purdy beat good teams?
By Marc Adams
Dec 11
It's always a big week when the San Francisco 49ers play the Los Angeles Rams. In 2021, the rivalry became even bigger when the 49ers had to win in the season's final week, in Los Angeles, to make it into the playoffs. On Thursday night, the 49ers must win again to keep their...
Bears D-lineman fined for hit on 49ers QB Brock Purdy
By David Bonilla
6 hrs
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy briefly left last weekend's game against the Chicago Bears after a brutal hit from defensive end Darrell Taylor in the third quarter. Although Purdy returned after missing just one play and appeared to be fine, the NFL deemed Taylor's...
