San Francisco 49ers: Elvis Dumervil signing shows lack of faith in LEO options
In signing Elvis Dumervil, the San Francisco 49ers have recognized they cannot rely on the other options they have at the LEO pass rusher spot.
The San Francisco 49ers added another veteran to the mix on Monday, with general manager John Lynch announcing the signing of pass rusher Elvis Dumervil. Dumervil is 33 and was limited to just eight appearances with the Ravens in 2016 as he struggled in the wake of offseason Achilles surgery.
However, he is just a couple of seasons removed from a 17-sack campaign. Moreover, Dumervil has undoubtedly been one of the NFL’s most consistent pass rushers, having been named to the Pro Bowl five times in his career. Entering his 12th season in the league, it will be interesting to see how much Dumervil has in the tank and, while he is likely to be used in a rotation, he should be a favorite to receive significant snaps at the LEO pass rusher spot that has been the subject of much scrutiny in the offseason.
Arik Armstead has received the first-team snaps at LEO in OTAs, but does not fit the athletic profile for the position. Aaron Lynch, whose fluctuating weight has been a topic of much discussion, has taken second-team snaps while sixth-round rookie Pita Taumoepenu has worked with the third team.
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Dumervil’s addition indicates the 49ers know they cannot rely on any of that trio to carry the burden, but also gives San Francisco a mentor for Aaron Lynch and the litany of interior rushers on the team.
Armstead, DeForest Buckner, third overall pick Solomon Thomas and Ronald Blair have someone who has consistently been among the NFL’s best to look up to. And Dumervil’s experience is much-needed on a defense that has a great deal of talent but it is very young.
He will join the likes of NaVorro Bowman, Ahmad Brooks and Earl Mitchell as one of the older heads on a unit that will need to produce if the transition to Robert Saleh’s 4-3 scheme is to be a smooth one. Given the issues surrounding Armstead and Aaron Lynch, Dumervil will likely be relied heavily early in his 49ers’ career to do what he has done best throughout his career — pressure the quarterback.
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It is a risk to place that kind of responsibility on a veteran coming off an injury but if, Dumervil can continue to disrupt opposing passing games while helping advance the development of the 49ers’ other pass rushers, then it will prove to be one worth taking.