D-Line Analysis | Page 7 | 49ers Webzone Forum

Karma · 2017-06-05T11:53:05-07:00

I thought it might be interesting to set up threads to examine each position group. With the complete overhaul of our roster, scheme, and coaches, it can be difficult to keep up with all of the intriguing position battles and ever-changing depth chart. With that in mind, I thought I would start with the deepest group on the team. We have spent more draft capital on this position group in the last three years but the results have been mixed. Scheme Change: We are currently shifting from a base 3-4 alignment to a 4-3 hybrid defense. Much has been written here about the change, so I won't try to re-evaluate the scheme. Ultimately, this scheme will allow our defensive linemen to focus on penetrating and disrupting without having to read and react. THe four positions along the line are: LEO, Nose Tackle, Defensive Tackle, Defensive End. Roster: LEO: Arik Armstead, Aaron Lynch, Ronald Blair, Pita Taumoepenu, Noble Nwachukwu (Ahmad Brooks and Eli Harold may get a look, but right now they are slated as SAM linebackers) NT: Earl Mitchell, Quinton Dial, D.J. Jones, Chris Jones DT: DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead, Solomon Thomas, Chris Jones DE: Solomon Thomas, Tank Carradine, Ronald Blair Analysis: While LEO remains the biggest question mark, this position group is so stacked that some quality players aren't going to make the roster. Starting with LEO, Arik Armstead is getting the first crack at the job. Armstead finds himself position-less for the time being because of the talent in front of him. While having his size at the LEO is exciting, especially when it comes to stopping the run, I don't see him as the pass rushing monster ideally suited to this position. I think AA will end up floating along the line and become part of a really strong rotation. Aaron Lynch fits the LEO description perfectly, if he is healthy and in shape. He has the bend, motor, and array of moves to take this job and run with it. His biggest obstacle will be himself. If Saleh can keep him motivated, he could be exactly what this defense needs. I think Saleh will get him there. It will be up to lynch to stay there in the years to come. Ronald Blair is the dark horse here. He is no where near as athletically gifted as the other two, but he is a true technician who was mis-cast as a 3-4 DE. He has the kind of motor ands work ethic that could see him surpass Lynch if Lynch becomes lackadaisical. As for Pita and Noble, they both have tremendous speed for the position, but strength, size, and experience will be their hurdles. I think Pita has an outside shot at the roster, but both of them need at least a year of development before they will be able to make an impact. Nose Tackle will be a different position than it has been in the 3-4. This defense calls for more versatility from this position. In the 3-4, we wanted a giant who could constantly take on double teams and hold his ground. This defense will require a guy who can do that occasionally, but who can also get up field and make plays. Earl Mitchell was brought in at the start of Free Agency to solidify this position. Mitchell certainly won't be the most talented player on the field in any alignment, but he will be a leader for the young guys. Mitchell's job will be to know his assignment, captain the line when he is on the field, and take advantage of mismatches created by teams focusing on Buckner, Thomas, or others. I anticipate he will be solid and unspectacular. Quinton Dial is a similar player with more size. I'm actually really excited to see what he can do in this new scheme. In his career, Dial has been a guy who could hold up blocks well and rely on his work ethic. D.J. Jones will be the most interesting member of this group to watch. He has the size, low center of gravity, and explosion to some day be the starter here. He may even get some work at DT if there are injuries. Chris Jones is the OTAs standout thus far. He is a veteran who works hard and knows he has to produce every day or he is back on the street. He'll get a look at every position and will put pressure on everybody to keep improving. You've got to love guys like him. Defensive Tackle should be the most disruptive position. DeForest Buckner could play just about anywhere on this line and be successful. Saleh has slotted him here and it should be a perfect fit. Buckner proved to be a force last year from the 3-4 DE spot, so giving him the chance to focus on penetrating rather than read and react should be a huge win for this defense. In obvious passing downs, Solomon Thomas could kick inside with him, but Buckner will get the majority of time here. Armstead also figures to get a few reps here as he moves along the line as the "super-sub" that I predict him to be. THe other guys would only get time here if there are major injuries. Defensive End will probably see a lot of rotation. This spot is tailor made for Solomon Thomas. It requires a player who can push the pocket, pressure the QB, and set the edge in the run game. Thomas' blend of strength, size, and speed fit perfectly. Thomas is the kind of player who will keep opposing defenses from always doubling Buckner or the LEO. That said, Thomas is a rookie and shouldn't be depended on to take all the snaps. Carradine, like Blair, was mis-cast as a 3-4 DE and then OLB. He could really shine in a back-up role here if he hasn't been ruined by all of the position changes he has gone through. Hopefully he is using OTAs to make a statement before Thomas is out of school. If not, Carradine could easily be the odd man out. Armstead and Blair will also have the opportunity to get some rotational reps here if they prove their value. Ultimately, the success of this position group will depend on Saleh's ability to put these guys in the best position to succeed and manages the rotation in a way that maximizes rest and continuity. Not an easy feat. I will focus on the Offensive Line in the next thread. Let me know what you think of my assessment or if I forgot something.

Jun 12, 2017 at 3:54 PM

#91

WRATHman44
Staff
Posts: 16,953

Brooks, Thomas, Mitchell, Buckner, Armstead, Dumervill, Harold, Carradine, Jones, Lynch, Taumoepenu, Blair/Dial

SAM: Brooks, Harold
LEO: Dumervill, Lynch, Taumoepenu (SAM, too)
RDE: Thomas, Carradine
NT: Mitchell, Jones
3T: Buckner, Dial/Blair (edge to Dial, b/c he can play NT and RDE on run downs)
Every-damn-where but NT: Armstead

Jun 12, 2017 at 4:23 PM

#92

GoldenGateGlory
Veteran
Posts: 1,503

To me the SAM position is going to be very important. I hope Brooks plays out of his skin.

Jun 12, 2017 at 9:51 PM

#93

SmokeCrabtrees
Veteran
Posts: 15,580

Originally posted by WRATHman44:
Originally posted by SmokeCrabtrees:
I think they both make it.

So AA,Mitch,Buck,Thomas,Lynch,Elvis,Carradine,Dial and Blair. Is 9 DL too much?

To me, Dial and Blair are both expendable now and not cause they suck.

You have Pita getting cut? I don't think he makes it to the PS, and Lynch seems to LOVE his work ethic.

IR special or something along those lines.

Originally posted by WRATHman44:
Originally posted by GhostOfBaalke:
Originally posted by SmokeCrabtrees:
I think they both make it.

So AA,Mitch,Buck,Thomas,Lynch,Elvis,Carradine,Dial and Blair. Is 9 DL too much?

To me, Dial and Blair are both expendable now and not cause they suck.

Last year we had.
D line

2016 (7): Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner, Quinton Dial, Glenn Dorsey, Mike Purcell, Ronald Blair, Tony Jerod-Eddie

Outside Linebackers
2016 (3): Ahmad Brooks, Eli Harold, Tank Carradine

+ Lynch who was suspended

So, that reasoning would anticipate ~11 roster spots b/w DL and SAM LB.

That's what I got if you add Brooks and Harold. That's a collective nice group on paper. Depth galore. Competition galore.

Originally posted by GoldenGateGlory:
Tank will be a gun this year.

We have waited a long time but it will be worth it.

Dear god please.. blessing in disguise for Tank that Thomas is out until TC.

Jun 12, 2017 at 10:02 PM

#94

GoldenGateGlory
Veteran
Posts: 1,503

Tank will prosper and get b/w 5-7 sacks for the year.

Go Tank.

Live up to your name.

Jun 12, 2017 at 10:22 PM

#95

SmokeCrabtrees
Veteran
Posts: 15,580

Originally posted by GoldenGateGlory:
Tank will prosper and get b/w 5-7 sacks for the year.

Go Tank.

Live up to your name.

I slipped up. We can call him Cornelius until he earns it.

Jun 13, 2017 at 9:37 AM

#96

JustinNiner
Veteran
Posts: 6,762

Originally posted by WRATHman44:
Brooks, Thomas, Mitchell, Buckner, Armstead, Dumervill, Harold, Carradine, Jones, Lynch, Taumoepenu, Blair/Dial

SAM: Brooks, Harold
LEO: Dumervill, Lynch, Taumoepenu (SAM, too)
RDE: Thomas, Carradine
NT: Mitchell, Jones
3T: Buckner, Dial/Blair (edge to Dial, b/c he can play NT and RDE on run downs)
Every-damn-where but NT: Armstead

that is one hell of a rotation! if bowman and foster are 100% healthy, we could see a very ferocious front 7.

Also, there is alot of depth. In the case of injury, we will be able to apply "Next man up"

[ Edited by JustinNiner on Jun 13, 2017 at 10:08 AM ]

Jun 13, 2017 at 4:11 PM

#97

SmokeCrabtrees
Veteran
Posts: 15,580

Great news from mini camp. Pass rush seems like it's brewing.... Lynch had a good day, as did AA,Carradine and honorable mentions for Gilbert and Pita! DJ and Reaser sound like they're damn near locks to make it and DJ might finally emerge and start opposite RR.

Jun 13, 2017 at 4:18 PM

#98

GoldenGateGlory
Veteran
Posts: 1,503

BOOF, BASH, BING, BANG.

I expect us to smash O Ls this year.

I will be going to games just to watch the D Line and for us to win 3-0.