No. 5: Defensive End Ezekiel Ansah
2017 Team: Detroit Lions
Let’s imagine a scenario where the 49ers aren’t able to land a prolific pass-rusher via the NFL Draft this offseason — one to fill the LEO position (commonly viewed as the right defensive end in a 4-3 base).
That’s Detroit Lions’ Ezekiel Ansah’s position. And while the 27-year-old former first-round pick of the Lions had a down year in 2016, registering just two sacks compared to 14.5 the year before, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him bounce back with DeForest Buckner lining up next to him.
Ansah should add immediate pass-rush productivity to a Niners team registering just 33 last season — tied for 19th in the NFL.
And while the ideal situation would be for general manager John Lynch to bring in a solid edge rusher via the draft, going with Ansah as a backup target wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
True, Ansah has been the figurehead within Detroit’s defense for the last few seasons. So it’s likely he’s re-signed or extended.
But if he isn’t, the Niners should at least put him on the watch list.