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10 Players the 49ers Should Watch for 2018 NFL Free Agency

By Peter Panacy

November 2, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Rams defeated the 49ers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 2, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Rams defeated the 49ers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) walks off the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Lions win 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) walks off the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Lions win 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

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.