SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- The San Francisco 49ers defense floundered in 2015, falling to near the bottom of the league in yards allowed per game. But all things considered, that group did a decent job of keeping opponents out of the end zone as it finished 18th in points allowed per game. Bringing Chip Kelly on as head coach might not bode well for that unit because his preferred fast-paced offense could put the defense on the field longer, but this is also a group that looks like it could be improved and brings additional value in the form of special teams.

San Francisco 49ers defense/special teams

The 49ers defense is flush with promising young players such as ends Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner, safety Jaquiski Tartt and cornerbacks Jimmie Ward, Rashard Robinson and Will Redmond. Add those youngsters to established veterans NaVorro Bowman, Quinton Dial, Antoine Bethea and Eric Reid and you have a group the organization hopes is ascending. However, it's important to note there are many moving pieces here and with Kelly as head coach and an offense with plenty of question marks, this group could be on the field a lot more. That could mean it will allow more points, but it could also mean more sacks, interceptions and big plays. ESPN's fantasy projection has the 49ers defense ranked last heading into the season and if your league uses yards allowed as a statistic, I suppose that's possible. But if your league counts special-teams touchdowns, this group could be a bargain. Between 2013 and 2015, Kelly's Philadelphia Eagles ranked sixth in the NFL in special-teams expected points added while finishing first in punts blocked (five) and special teams touchdowns (10). In this training camp, Kelly has allowed for plenty of special-teams time in practice and talented young special teams coordinator Derius Swinton II has several players he can rely on.