Why Tank Carradine Is San Francisco 49ers' Most Important New Starter

The San Francisco 49ers are going to employ plenty of changes in 2015, and defensive end Tank Carradine is one such player who may benefit from what the 49ers defense will do in the upcoming season.

San Francisco's defensive line will look different compared to the starting roster from a year ago. Given the historical reliance the 49ers have placed upon their D-line, and defense in general, Carradine should be tabbed as the most important new starter heading into the new season.

Carradine will have some big shoes to fill.

An increase in playing time stems from the dismissal of defensive end Ray McDonald last season for an alleged sexual assault case. While he didn't start any games in 2014, Carradine did manage to work his way into nine contests over the course of the year.

Complicating the matter, and giving Carradine a greater chance, is the ongoing possibility that veteran D-lineman Justin Smith could retire prior to the start of the season.

Smith has long been the anchor of San Francisco's defensive front; he often held up multiple blockers to allow fellow defenders to exploit lanes to opposing quarterbacks.

Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News stressed the importance of Smith's return and focused on his abilities and his prowess in the locker room:

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The man called "Cowboy" is one man who can stand up in the locker room and tell his fellow employees to ride along with [Jim] Tomsula, to trust and believe the coach no matter what. Smith is easily the most admired and esteemed veteran still on the 49ers roster for the 2015 season—as long as he really is still on the 49ers roster for the 2015 season.

Word from the 49ers offices is that no deadline has been placed on Smith to make his decision.

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But Smith's on-the-field impact has been steadily decreasing since 2011, per Jeff Deeney of Pro Football Focus.

So where does this leave Carradine?

With McDonald gone and Smith potentially following, the void on the outside of the D-line cannot be avoided.

San Francisco's defensive front was a primary reason behind the team's No. 5-ranked defense in fewest all-purpose yards allowed (5,143).

Yet, there remains a number of critical questions regarding whether Carradine can fit the bill.

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

The 49ers' second-round pick of the 2013 NFL draft missed his rookie season while recovering from a collegiate injury. The setback hindered his development, which led to comments from former 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio (h/t Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area) who stated Carradine was "missing too many things mentally."

But on the positive side of things, Carradine did flash some brilliance following McDonald's dismissal. In Weeks 15 through 17 last year, Carradine notched seven tackles and three sacks—numbers that suggest he could still emerge as a bona fide pass-rushing threat.

This is the side that former 49ers D-line coach and now head coach Jim Tomsula is highlighting.

“He works so hard, and he's talented,” Tomsula said, via Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee.

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Returning veteran D-linemen Ian Williams, Glenn Dorsey and Quinton Dial will assist Carradine. The free-agent acquisition of defensive tackle Darnell Dockett also helps here.

Still, a lot will be expected out of Carradine in 2015.

There may be a number of other noteworthy new starters who will require an immediate impact for San Francisco to be successful.

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

Dockett is one such player if he starts. But it's impossible to overlook that the 33-year-old veteran is coming off a 2014 campaign that was lost due to injury. Will the 49ers expect just as much out of his abilities, or will Dockett be worked into a situational rotation?

Voids in the secondary from the departures of free-agent cornerbacks Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox suggest that a defensive back, like Dontae Johnson, might be the most important.

But up-front pressure is what made the 49ers defense click under Fangio. The former defensive coordinator frequently rushed no more than four players throughout his tenure, which freed up the remaining defensive cast to make plays on receiving targets.

Smith used to provide that edge. The pressure could now be on Carradine.

The suggestion of Carradine as San Francisco's most important starter in 2015 also trumps any new No. 1 on offense, given that it's not likely for a Tomsula-led team to suddenly rely on overwhelming offensive prowess.

True, running back Carlos Hyde will have the chance to solidify his role as the 49ers' premier back. And newly acquired wide receiver Torrey Smith will assist with the passing game. Still, it's impossible to suggest these players will be more important than a stalwart defense this season.

Carradine will have plenty of expectations placed upon him this upcoming season. San Francisco needs to get a return on its 2013 investment, and the third-year pro will be tasked with the challenge of meeting these demands.

The fate of the 49ers' season could very well hinge on this.

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com, unless otherwise indicated. 

Peter Panacy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the San Francisco 49ers. Be sure to check out his entire archive on 49ers news, insight and analysis.

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