The 49ers added to the defensive line in the 2016 Draft, making it the strongest position on the roster, here we break down why.
In the 49ers’ spell of success between 2011 and 2013, the defensive line was key to their fortunes, with Justin Smith and Ray McDonald excelling at generating pressure and opening up holes for teammates to impact the play in both the run and the passing game.
Smith’s retirement and McDonald’s off-the-field issues and subsequent release have led the 49ers to give their D-line a significant remodel. San Francisco has spent considerable resources on the defensive side of the trenches in recent times, using first-round picks on Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner in the last two drafts.