Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
49ers' D-line figures to stick together for long time
Share This Post
Comments
Tuesday, August 2, 2016 - 7:00am
Follow @maioccocsn

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. Armstead and Buckner were the 49ers’ top draft picks the past two years.

[MAIOCCO: 49ers practice 2: Armstead, Ward stand out]

Defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil said all the defensive linemen are being trained to play all three spots. That way, he said, the three best defensive linemen will see the bulk of the playing time.

Projected starting nose tackle Ian Williams is out for the season after sustaining a mysterious lower left leg injury during the offseason. Dial appears to be the player best-suited to take over in the center of the 49ers’ defensive line.

“I view it like I’m playing end,” Dial said. “Things just happen a little bit quicker at the nose. I’m just going to do whatever it takes to help the team win. If that’s me playing nose, that’s what I’m going to do.

“It’s really all the same. You’re just in the middle, so things are going to happen quicker. You have to know how to react to certain blocks.”

Dial was a 49ers’ fifth-round draft pick in 2013. In his first three seasons, he outperformed his draft status. He was forced into the starting lineup for six games in 2014 due to late-season injuries. Last year, he played very well in 15 starts.

His performance prompted the 49ers to sign him to a four-year, $12.7 million contract extension. With his experience and the security in knowing he will remain on the team for a while, Dial said he has taken on more of a leadership role.

“I feel like I’m more in this leadership role,” he said. “I’m not saying the extension did that for me, but just as guys looking up to me, the young guys asking me questions. I feel like I’m in that leadership role now.”

Although the 49ers’ coaching staff figures to continue to work different players at different spots to find the right combinations, it appears to be a safe bet Armstead and Buckner will factor prominently into the team’s scheme.

Armstead, chosen with the No. 17 overall pick in 2015, was considered raw when he jumped to the NFL after his junior season. The 49ers worked him into the action slowly, as he started just one game. Despite his limited action, Armstead was ranked as the 49ers’ second-best defensive player, behind Williams, according to Pro Football Focus’ grading system.

“He’s more prepared this year, his second go-around, than his rookie year,” Dial said. “He knows what to expect now. He got his feet wet in his rookie year.”

Buckner, the seventh overall pick, was generally regarded as being a more polished all-around player entering this season than Armstead was upon his entry into the NFL.

“He’s a good, smart kid,” Dial said. “I think he’s going to fit in right with us. He’s athletic and smart. He’s versatile like all of us.”

On a team with so many question marks throughout the roster, the defensive line appears to be one area of the team that is set up well to be stacked for a long time with Dial, Armstead and Buckner.

“I think we can be very good,” Armstead said. “We have a lot of guys on the D-line who can play in the NFL and play good. I’m sure they’re going to keep mixing it up and see what group fits best together. It’ll be a long process figuring that out.”

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Morning Minute: Bumgarner, bullpen battered; A's fall short
Glen & Ray: 'The error was costly; you hate to pick at one play'
Moore: 'Great feeling to be accepted' by Giants after trade
Where does Matt Moore fit into Giants' starting rotation?

Giants

LIVE: Giants vs Phillies
Giants notes: New lefty Smith ready for big spots
Giants lineup: Nunez out, Cueto hits ninth
For Giants' homegrown infield, it 'kind of sucks' to lose Duffy
Read More

Athletics

A's lineup: Muncy RF, in two hole; Crisp in center
Reddick goes hitless in Dodgers debut; Giants lead by two
Error proves costly, A's drop series opener to Angels
A's lineup: Valencia starts in RF day after Reddick trade
Read More

Sharks

Historically young Coyotes GM already making waves
Bettman: Research on concussion-CTE link 'remains nascent'
Three Sharks highlight 10 potentially big 2017 UFAs
Read More

49ers

49ers OG Beadles: Chemistry with Staley 'going really well'
Ex-49ers WR needs knee surgery after camp injury
With Goff's rocky start, Keenum running Rams offense
Bethea: Direction of 49ers defense similar to Fangio era
Read More

Raiders

Raiders practice 5: Watson vs. Howard 'down to the wire'
Top 5 position battles in Raiders training camp
Oakland native Damian Lillard predicts Raiders' record
Reports: Former Raider McClain suspended for 'purple drank'
Read More

Warriors

Red, White and Bronze: Death and rebirth of USA Basketball
Jason Terry refuses to give Warriors the 'super team' label
Unbeaten US basketball teams ready for 2016 Olympic games
Biz Ball: Durant's Warriors jersey 'flying off the rack'
Read More

NCAA

Former Cal star, second-round pick gets first MLB call-up
Harbaugh stars in rap song using 49ers catch phrase
Cal's Best to be first ex-NFL player to go to Summer Olympics
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • G-Mag
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G
  • Insider Alex Pavlovic
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets

Latest News

LIVE: Giants vs Phillies
CSN Bay Area staff

GIANTS VIDEO

Moore: 'Great feeling to be accepted' by Giants after trade
Moore: 'Great feeling to be accepted' by Giants after trade
See more >

GIANTS INSIDER

  • Giants notes: New lefty Smith ready for big spots
  • For Giants' homegrown infield, it 'kind of sucks' to lose Duffy
  • Rewind: Phillies hit Bumgarner early, bullpen late
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • All A's
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen
  • Insider Joe Stiglich
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

A's lineup: Muncy RF, in two hole; Crisp in center
CSN Bay Area staff

A's VIDEO

Glen & Ray: 'The error was costly; you hate to pick at one play'
Glen & Ray: 'The error was costly; you hate to pick at one play'
See more >

A's INSIDER

  • New A's 'special talent' acquisitions could make impact soon
  • A's lose part of their identity by trading Reddick to Dodgers
  • Source: A's trade Josh Reddick, Rich Hill to Dodgers
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Insider Kevin Kurz
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets

Latest News

Historically young Coyotes GM already making waves
(3)
Associated Press

SHARKS VIDEO

Beyond the Scoreboard digital exclusive: 1-on-1 with SAP CDO Jonathan Becher
Beyond the Scoreboard digital exclusive: 1-on-1 with SAP CDO Jonathan Becher
See more >

SHARKS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Warriors Central
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • Insider Monte Poole
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets
  • Stream the Warriors on Live Extra

Latest News

Red, White and Bronze: Death and rebirth of USA Basketball
(1)
NBCOlympics

WARRIORS VIDEO

1-on-1 with Kevon Looney: Speed, effort picking up on floor
1-on-1 with Kevon Looney: Speed, effort picking up on floor
See more >

WARRIORS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider James Ham
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets
  • Stream the Kings on Live Extra

Latest News

The Kings Insider Podcast: Rudy Gay situation
(1)
James Ham

Kings Video

Ham: Kings 'making lot of phone calls;' trade on the way?
Ham: Kings 'making lot of phone calls;' trade on the way?
See more >

KINGS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Matt Maiocco
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Buy 49ers Tickets

Latest News

49ers OG Beadles: Chemistry with Staley 'going really well'
(5)
CSN Bay Area staff

49ers VIDEO

Maiocco: 49ers WR Simpson impressing Chip Kelly early on
Maiocco: 49ers WR Simpson impressing Chip Kelly early on
See more >

49ers INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Scott Bair
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Buy Raiders Tickets

Latest News

Raiders practice 5: Watson vs. Howard 'down to the wire'
Scott Bair

RAIDERS VIDEO

Bair: Raiders' first-rounder Joseph 'thrown right into fire'
Bair: Raiders' first-rounder Joseph 'thrown right into fire'
See more >

RAIDERS INSIDER

  • Raiders practice 5: Watson vs. Howard 'down to the wire'
  • Top 5 position battles in Raiders training camp
  • Raiders formally release RB Roy Helu
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Wondolowski earns Quakes 1-1 draw with Dynamo
(4)
Associated Press

More Stories

Two score as Liverpool beats AC Milan at Levi's Stadium
(1)
Earthquakes deal Adam Jahn to Columbus Crew for cash
(2)
See more >

Quakes Shop

JOE STIGLICH

New A's 'special talent' acquisitions could make impact soon
(11)
See more >

ALEX PAVLOVIC

Giants notes: New lefty Smith ready for big spots
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

Trent Baalke: Chip Kelly 'the same guy every day'
(89)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Raiders practice 5: Watson vs. Howard 'down to the wire'
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Analysis: Klay, despite what he says, will have to sacrifice
(16)
See more >

JAMES HAM

The Kings Insider Podcast: Rudy Gay situation
(1)
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Sharks look deeper, faster than last season
See more >

RAY RATTO

At deadline, Giants add hole-pluggers; A's kick can down road

AFF - A'S

Authentic Fan Friday - A's

Come to Authentic Fan Friday at the A's! 

Sit in the Value Deck and score free giveaways - get more info here!

 

FOLLOW US!

Follow us on Twitter @CSNAuthentic.

SAY HEY TUESDAY

s

Join us for Say Hey Tuesday – every Tuesday Giants home game.

NCAA

  • Stanford Football
  • Stanford Basketball
  • Stanford Women's Basketball
  • Cal Football
  • Cal Basketball
  • Cal Women's Basketball
  • SJSU Football
  • SJSU Basketball
  • USF Basketball
  • USF Women's Basketball
  • Saint Mary's Basketball
  • Santa Clara Basketball
  • Fresno State Football

MORE

  • Biz Ball
  • Combat Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Morning Minute: Bumgarner, bullpen battered; A's fall short
Morning Minute: Bumgarner, bullpen battered; A's fall short
See more >

ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING

  • G-Mag
  • All A's
  • Carpool Confessions
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G’s Exclusives
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • SportsTalk Live
  • But Seriously

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • James Ham - Kings
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • Alex Pavlovic - Giants
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California