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How feasible is a 4-3 defense for the 49ers in ‘17?

SANTA CLARA -- The 49ers drafted to two prototypical 3-4 defensive linemen, Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner, in the first round the past two years, which suggests they are married to a 3-4 scheme for the near future.

The problem is that they don't have a nose tackle -- the player lining up there now, Glenn Dorsey, isn't signed beyond this season -- or any truly great prospects at outside linebacker, the two spots that make a 3-4 defense distinct.

That, in turn, has led to questions about whether the team might switch to a 4-3 defense next season.