To get more out of two former first-round picks this season, the 49ers essentially have asked them to swap positions.
Arik Armstead, the 17th overall pick in 2015, has been playing what the team refers to as the 'big end' spot this spring while Solomon Thomas, last year's third overall pick, has lined up on the other side of the defensive line at the so-called 'Leo' position. Each was in the opposite spot when the season began last year, although Thomas started playing more Leo by season's end.
The Leo position is the signature spot on the defensive line and it typically goes to the most athletic lineman -- and the most ferocious pass rusher -- on the team.