Over the last two drafts, San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke selected Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner in the first round, electing to take two Oregon pass rushers over addressing other skill positions such as quarterback and wide receiver. Because of this, many assumed the defensive line would be a bright spot for the 49ers this season, but through six games it has been anything but that.
Hall of Fame defensive back Ronnie Lott joined the Murph and Mac Show on Friday and said that Buckner and Armstead need to show their first-round talent right now.
“First-round picks, they have to show up,” Lott said. “You have to be able to be a difference maker. You have to have an identity that allows everybody to know that you are worthy of that pick.”
49ers defensive coordinator Jim O’Neill has also taken criticism for the poor defensive play from the team over the past five weeks. Lott says that the coaches need to cater to their personnel.
“Sometimes, you’ve got to find a way to scheme to the strength of the team.”
Trent Baalke’s drafts have taken major criticism over the last three seasons. The drafts have played a major role in the decline in talent since the 2012 Super Bowl run. For 49ers fans, there is no choice but to hope that the young nucleus of a good defense is in place in an otherwise frustrating and losing year.