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How a Switch to a 4-3 Defense Shakes Up the 49ers 2017 NFL Draft Plans

By Peter Panacy

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) congratulates defensive end Arik Armstead (91) for sacking Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) congratulates defensive end Arik Armstead (91) for sacking Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Targets in the 2017 NFL Draft

All this could change based on what the 49ers do in free agency this offseason. But until that happens, let’s paint a clearer picture on San Francisco’s defensive needs in the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft.

Based off the previous slide’s breakdown, the Niners have two pressing needs (nose tackle and SAM linebacker) and two areas that could use some upgrades (LEO defensive end and MIKE linebacker).

So how should this change San Francisco’s targets?

EDGE Myles Garrett, Texas A&M

Texas A&M edge rusher Myles Garrett should be the No. 1 prospect on every team’s big board this draft.

He’s capable of lining up at the edge in either a 3-4 or 4-3 front seven, as All-22’s Oliver Connolly pointed out, and can use his exceptional speed and strength to either get around blockers or overpower them altogether.

In an ideal world, Garrett would fall to the Niners at No. 2 overall in Round 1. If so, and the 49ers pounce, expect him to be plugged in as the immediate LEO.

Defensive Lineman Jonathan Allen, Alabama

A switch to a 4-3 under would make Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen a bit more enticing to San Francisco. Had the Niners stayed in a 3-4, drafting Allen wouldn’t make much sense, given both Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner play the same position.

Still, Allen to the 49ers isn’t ideal. According to Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, the Niners would be sacrificing run defense if they went with the projected-No. 2 overall prospect in the draft:

If Miller isn’t convinced, neither am I. And consider San Francisco gave up the league’s most rushing yards last season (2,654).

EDGE Charles Harris, Missouri

Mizzou seems to regularly put out solid pass-rushers, and Charles Harris is no exception.

Harris likely won’t go in the top 10, so that rules out him landing in Santa Clara at No. 2 overall. But the 49ers could trade down, so let’s keep this door open.

Connolly’s scouting report on Harris is pretty darn good. What the All-22 scout likes is Harris’ ability to line up in a number of techniques along the D-line, which could give San Francisco the flexibility to move him around without sacrificing what they already have on the roster.

Harris could be the LEO but shouldn’t have too much trouble versus the run either, almost making him more enticing to the 49ers than Allen.