Niner Noise
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Ranking the Top 10 Free Agents the 49ers Should Pursue in 2017

By Peter Felsch

Nov 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke before the game against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke before the game against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots defensive lineman Jabaal Sheard (93) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots defensive lineman Jabaal Sheard (93) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive End Jabaal Sheard

It’s no secret the defensive line needs major help this offseason. The 49ers are last in rush defense in the league in multiple categories and have endured durability issues all year.

New England Patriots defensive end Jabaal Sheard isn’t an elite player. But his versatility in a 3-4 defense is a good scheme fit. He was projected to make the move to outside linebacker coming out of college and can play several positions.

He is fairly young in his sixth season, at 27, and has 34.5 sacks in his career, instantly upgrading the woeful pass rush.