San Francisco 49ers: Ranking positional needs for 2019 NFL Draft
1. Edge Rusher
The biggest failing of the 49ers defense continues to be the inability to turn interior pressure into sacks, with a lack of talent on the edge a glaring and continually costly deficiency for San Francisco.
Edge was a position bewilderingly ignored by the Niners in the 2018 draft, though the decision to focus on other areas may have been made in the knowledge that there is an abundance of talented pass rushers set to be on the board in 2019.
A total of just nine sacks through five games is a frustrating one for a team that has used a first-round pick on a defensive lineman in three of the last four drafts. The best way to ensure the Niners get to the quarterback with regularity next year is to take advantage of a stacked edge class, which is deep enough for them to land multiple difference-making pass rushers.
Next. 2019 NFL Mock Draft: 49ers shock at No. 1, Giants replace Eli. dark
Names to know:
Ohio State star Nick Bosa has endured an injury-hit 2018, but if the draft were toda,y he would be the player most would tab to the 49ers with the first overall pick. Clemson’s Clelin Ferrell will be in the top-10 discussion after opting not to declare in 2018, while Montez Sweat of Mississippi State and Florida State’s Brian Burns are in the midst of excellent seasons. Jachai Polite of Florida and Josh Allen of Kentucky also merit first-round buzz, with each excelling in the SEC.