Since Robert Saleh was hired as the 49ers’ defensive co-ordinator, DeForest Buckner’s fit within the defense has been one of the most common topics for discussion.
Drafted as a 3-4 defensive end to play across from his former teammate at Oregon, Arik Armstead, it appeared that the 49ers had set the interior of their defensive line for half a decade. The change to the 4-3 defense has forced those who had such thoughts to re-appraise the situation significantly and both players’ fits within the new defense has been called into question.
Following Saleh and Buckner’s time before the media on the opening day of the 49ers’ offseason schedule, it was made clear that Buckner would either be playing as the 3-tech tackle or the strong side defensive end.