San Francisco 49ers: Positional traits to look for in 2018 offseason

3 of 4

CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 03: Cassius Marsh #54 of the San Francisco 49ers reaches for quarterback Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears in the third quarter at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Pass Rushers: Speed, Bend and Dip

The 49ers have invested heavily in defensive linemen who can create interior disruption, but they still lack edge presences who can get the quarterback on the ground. Not since Aldon Smith’s all-too-brief spell with San Francisco have the 49ers had a true top-tier edge rusher.

More from San Francisco 49ers

The best edge rushers can win in a variety of ways, but Robert Saleh’s 4-3 defense is one that is predicated on team speed. As such, it may the most sense to look for an edge rusher who can win with his first step and has the speed to be able to make plays in the open field and potentially drop into coverage.

Speed is only useful to a certain point, though, and edge rushers who are too straight line in their approach struggle to make an impact. The ability to bend and dip round blockers to turn the corner and shorten the path to the quarterback is also required.

After finishing the 2017 season with just 30 sacks, finding a player with those traits to take advantage of the chaos DeForest Buckner, Solomon Thomas and Arik Armstead can cause would be a huge win for the 49ers.

Linebacker: Athleticism

The 49ers may have selected a linebacker in the draft anyway, but insurance at the position has become a must after Reuben Foster’s pair of offseason arrests. Foster faces a lengthy suspension and as such the Niners will have to find a player who can replicate his ability to chase sideline to sideline and downhill and pick up tight ends, which is a weak point of veteran Malcolm Smith’s game.

There is more than just athleticism to Foster’s game, but Saleh’s system demands it from his linebackers. To that end, do not be surprised at all if Roquan Smith or Tremaine Edmunds’ name is called out when the 49ers make their first pick in the draft.