Having graded the 49ers’ offensive players at the halfway mark of the season, we now move onto their more heavily maligned defensive counterparts.
Armstead has had a tough time in his career as a 49er. Arguably over-drafted, it nevertheless made some sense given Armstead’s physical tools. With the likes of Justin Smith, Tank Carradine, Quinton Dial and Darnell Dockett all still on the roster, Armstead could develop behind them. As it was, Smith retired soon after the draft and Dockett never played a regular season game, forcing Armstead into the lineup earlier than expected.