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For the second year in a row, the 49ers spent their first-round pick on the player most experts expected them to take.

Last year, many expects predicted the Niners would draft Oregon defensive end Arik Armstead, and they did. This year, many experts predicted the Niners would draft Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner, and they did.

Buckner and Armstead are practically carbon copies of one another. Both are 6'7", both play 4-technique defensive end in a 3-4 defense and both are outstanding interior pass-rushers on third down and 2nd-and-long.

Buckner may be even better at rushing the passer than Armstead. According to the Pro Football Focus 2016 Draft Guide, Buckner recorded 12 sacks, 16 quarterbacks hits and 39 quarterback hurries last season. Armstead never has produced numbers like those. Together, Armstead and Buckner could become one of the top interior rushing duos in the league.

But, both could struggle against the run next season, especially Buckner. He needs to get stronger to hold his ground at the point of attack. Michigan State's Jack Conklin, the eighth pick in the draft (Tennessee Titans), pushed Buckner around when they faced off last season.

Grade: B