Summary

Arik Armstead was selected in the 1st Round (#17 Overall) in the 2015 Draft out of University of Oregon. A one-time Pro Bowler, Armstead is a rare blend of size, length, and athleticism for a defensive lineman, capable of playing multiple positions along the front. His strengths include versatility, pass-rush potential, and ability to disrupt both run and pass lanes. His main limitations are consistency, interior strength, and technique refinement. With continued focus on these areas, Armstead remains a foundational piece for a hybrid defensive front and a key contributor in high-level NFL defenses.

Strengths

• Elite size and length

  At 6′7″ with long arms, Armstead can disrupt passing lanes, bat down passes, and extend tackles’ engagement. His length gives him leverage in pass-rush situations.

• Versatility in front-seven

  Can line up as a 5-tech DE in base 4-3, slide inside as a 3-tech in subpackages, or drop into hybrid roles. This versatility allows the 49ers to employ varied fronts and stunts.

• Athleticism for a big man

  Armstead has good first-step explosiveness and enough agility to chase plays down the line, drop into shallow zones in certain schemes, and bend around the edge.

• Pass-rush potential

  Shows a mix of power and speed off the edge. Effective at using his length to keep blockers off balance and create pressure with either inside rip moves or bull rush.

• Durability and experience

  Over multiple seasons, Armstead has been a consistent presence on the defensive line, including high-pressure playoff environments.

Weaknesses

• Consistency and effort

  At times, Armstead has been criticized for inconsistent motor on snaps, occasionally disappearing in plays or not sustaining effort versus the run.

• Strength vs interior run

  While capable in pass-rush, Armstead can struggle against double-teams or when asked to anchor against powerful interior linemen.

• Technique refinement

  Needs to improve hand usage and leverage in certain matchups to prevent offensive linemen from neutralizing his length advantage.

• Production vs elite competition

  While effective overall, there are occasional games where his stat line (sacks, tackles for loss) is low, indicating a need for more consistent impact per snap.

Fit & Outlook

Armstead excels in schemes that utilize his hybrid DE/DT versatility, allowing him to line up in multiple fronts, rush the passer, or rotate inside on passing downs. Best suited in defenses that rotate linemen and employ stunts to create mismatches. If Armstead continues to refine his technique and sustain effort on every down, he can remain a top-tier rotational pass-rusher and interior defensive presence.