Paul Gutierrez, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Despite defections, 49ers sticking to 3-4 defense

PHOENIX -- While the recent retirements of inside linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland may have thrown the San Francisco 49ers for a loop, and the Niners have only three inside linebackers under contract who have NFL experience and one of them, NaVorro Bowman, is still recuperating from a 14-month-old knee injury, their defense remains status quo.

The 49ers are remaining in a 3-4 defense, rather than flipping to a 4-3 scheme, new coach Jim Tomsula confirmed at the NFC coaches breakfast Wednesday at the NFL owners meetings.

Because while the Niners expect Bowman to make a full recovery, they also return Michael Wilhoite, who started 16 games a year ago, as well as Nick Moody, who started the final two games. And there are thoughts the Niners could move Ahmad Brooks inside as well as continue to scour free agency -- Erin Henderson and Lance Briggs have been linked to the Niners.

Beyond that, the defensive line, Tomsula's old stomping grounds as the team's D-line coach since 2006, should be enough of a strength to remain in a 3-4.

"The depth on the defensive line right now is as deep as we've ever had it," Tomsula said. "I'm really excited about the guys we have."

Yes, even with the very real possibility that Justin Smith might retire at any moment.

Tomsula was quick to point out that he refers to his grunts there as defensive linemen, rather than labeling them as a nose tackle or an end. He likes to say any of his players can play any position on the line.

"We cross-train everybody," Tomsula said. "That won't stop."

But for depth chart-sake, the three nose tackles are Ian Williams, Glenn Dorsey, Mike Purcell and Quinton Dial, who, Tomsula said, might boast a skill set better suited for end in a 3-4.

The ends meanwhile, are Smith, newly-signed free agent Darnell Dockett, whom Tomsula used to seek out after games to compliment him as an opponent, "out of respect," Tony Jerod-Eddie and Tank Carradine, who is still adjusting to a new position as a 3-technique in the NFL after being an outside pass-rushing end in college.

"Tank came from the backyard to a phone booth," Tomsula said. "When you're out there on the edge, you've got all that space and you're working and there's nobody outside you as a blocking threat and everything is through that vision line.

"And now you scoot down inside, whether you're a 3-technique or a 4-, you've got stuff coming from both sides. The amount of space you have to work in is a lot smaller. So just getting used to it [is a challenge]."

It is worth noting, though, that health perhaps plays the biggest key as Bowman, Dorsey and Williams all were on injured reserve last season.

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