SANTA CLARA – The 49ers’ first-team defense during Monday’s practice featured a young, talented defensive line that could be together for a long time.
“It’s a lot of man,” said Quinton Dial, referring the size of the unit on which he lined up at nose tackle with Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner at the end positions.
General manager Trent Baalke and coach Chip Kelly both subscribe to the philosophy that bigger is better. And nowhere is that more apparent than on the defensive line.
Dial, 26, is listed at 6 foot 5, 318 pounds; Armstead, 22, is 6-7, 292; and Buckner, 22, is 6-7, 300.