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49ers rookie defensive linemen excel in stats and stamina

SANTA CLARA -- The 49ers drafted two defensive linemen, DeForest Buckner and Ronald Blair, with eye-catching college stats. Perhaps just as important on a Chip Kelly-led team, both also have eye-catching stamina.

Buckner was on the field for 951 snaps last season, which according to Pro Football Focus, was tops among interior defensive lineman in the nation. He took even more, 972 snaps, the year prior.

Blair, meanwhile, started 51 games at Appalachian State. He had 669 defensive snaps in 2015 and 616 last season.

That endurance caught 49ers general manager Trent Baalke's eye before the draft.