San Francisco 49ers: 2016 Starters whose futures depend on 2017

Arik Armstead

With DeForest Buckner enjoying a promising rookie year and the 49ers using the No. 3 overall pick on Solomon Thomas, Arik Armstead could well become something of a forgotten man on the defensive line. But as early as last season Armstead was seen as a focal point of the 49ers defense, only for a troublesome shoulder injury to derail his season.

Now Armstead seems to be a man without a position on San Francisco’s four-man defensive front. He has received snaps at the LEO defensive end position in OTAs, but lacks the athleticism to be an impact player as an outside pass rusher.

Armstead led all 3-4 defensive ends in pass-rush productivity in 2016, per Pro Football Focus. The 49ers need to find a way for him to be similarly disruptive over the course of a full season in a four-man front or they could be forced to look to move Armstead on.

Eric Reid

Since reaching the Pro Bowl in 2013, Eric Reid has been unable to reach the standard of his rookie year. In his first two years, Reid recorded 19 pass breakups and seven interceptions. The last two seasons, however, have seen him defend 13 passes and make just one pick.

Reid’s play was not helped by operating next to the declining and ageing Antoine Bethea. He and the 49ers will hope that being moved down into the box to accommodate Jimmie Ward’s switch to free safety will inspire a bounce-back year for the former LSU man.

Next: Ranking the 49ers most important position battles

But in a contract year, Reid’s history of concussions makes him a risky long-term bet, and it may take a special season from him for to convince the 49ers to sign off on an extension.