49ers position battles: Defensive line

Demetric Evans will be fighting for a starting spot.
(AP Photo/George Nikitin)

I initially wanted to make two separate posts on the defensive end and the nose tackle positions for the 49ers, but I realized that since there might be a lot of moving around from players, it would be best to talk about all of them.

The biggest name on the line is Justin Smith. He provided a solid season last year and with the signing of Demetric Evans, we might have a very strong, stacked defensive line. But second-year player Kentwan Balmer will be pushing to get into the starting lineup.

Currently on roster:

• Isaac Sopoaga (entering 6th year)
• Pannel Egboh (entering 1st year)
• Khalif Mitchell (entering 1st year)
• Ray McDonald (entering 3rd year)
• Justin Smith (entering 9th year)
• Kentwan Balmer (entering 2nd year)
• Ricky Jean-Francois (entering 1st year)
• Demetric Evans (entering 8th year)
• Aubrayo Franklin (entering 7th year)

Justin Smith was the big name free agent the 49ers grabbed last year and his spot on the right end of the line is pretty much guaranteed. I actually look forward to Ray McDonald making it back to the team after off-season knee surgery.

He will serve as Smith's backup and I am hoping that he will ease into his playing time smoothly.

On the other side of the line, second-year player Kentwan Balmer and newly signed free agent Demetric Evans will fight for the starting spot. Last year, Balmer spent most of his time on the special teams unit. He hasn't been impressive since being drafted last year, but the team hopes that he can develop into the first round talent that they hoped for him. He will have a tough battle against veteran Evans.

Evans did only collect 3.5 sacks last year, but filled in fine for an injured Jason Taylor in Washington. I expect Evans to win the starting job as it looks like he has more to bring to the table for the 49ers at this point.

With the battle at left end, that means Isaac Sopoaga will be placed at nose tackle. Aubrayo Franklin is in his last year of his contract and will probably serve as backup to Sopoaga. Sopoaga is familiar with the nose tackle position so it would work out great for the 49ers to move him there.

I'm actually looking forward to see how rookie Ricky Jean-Francois develops this year. He will serve as a third stringer for the team, but if his play improves, he might just move up the depth chart as the season progresses.

For more 49ers news: Visit my other site Mining the Gold Rush or the 49ers' official blog at Goal Posts.
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