San Francisco 49ers: 5 Possible late offseason additions

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 17: Johnathan Hankins #95 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after a tackle against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 17: Johnathan Hankins #95 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after a tackle against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Johnathan Hankins

The 49ers visited with Terrell McClain, who since signed with the Atlanta Falcons, so would appear to be still in the market for defensive line help. Johnathan Hankins is the best defensive lineman on the market and would give the 49ers a strong rotation at the 1-technique between him and Earl Mitchell.

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Hankins, per Pro Football Focus, missed only one of his 43 tackle attempts and added 20 pressures from the interior. Just 26, Hankins would command a decent salary for a player in this stage of free agency but the 49ers certainly have the cap space to accommodate that and further improve their young defense.

Ryan Davis

If the 49ers are looking for more affordable help along the defensive line, then the less-heralded Davis could be in play after being released by the Buffalo Bills. Playing a number of positions across the front, Davis had 28 tackles in 2017 and also registered three sacks and a forced fumble.

The versatility would appeal to San Francisco, and Davis has a connection with 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh from their time with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Davis is unlikely to be able to match the 6.5 sacks he had for the Jags in 2014 but, in a year where rookie Kentavius Street is likely to redshirt, he could come in and compete for playing time having proven he can contribute in a rotation.