Niner Noise
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NFL Free Agency: Laying out a plan for the 49ers

By Logan Stanley

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 13: Dion Lewis #33 of the New England Patriots carries the ball in the second quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 13: Dion Lewis #33 of the New England Patriots carries the ball in the second quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 24: Ezekiel Ansah #94 of the Detroit Lions sacks Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 24: Ezekiel Ansah #94 of the Detroit Lions sacks Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah

PFF Grade: 80.1

Spotrac: 2 years, $19 million — $9.5 million annually

Cap space left: $52.2 million

For the past three consecutive drafts, the 49ers have selected a defensive lineman in the first round. It is still quite early on in that investment, but the 2017 season was a display of growth for the unit.

The San Francisco rush defense last year was appalling, allowing a whopping 4.8 yards per carry. This season, the 49ers allowed 3.8 yards per carry, No. 7 in the NFL.

The rapid development of defensive lineman DeForest Buckner has been a vital component to that uptick in performance, and the additions of Earl Mitchell and rookie Solomon Thomas have factored into it as well.

But the team seriously lacks a true pass rusher. San Francisco only had 30 sacks last season, which was tied for No. 26 in the NFL.

The last missing piece is someone who can came off the edge and get to the quarterback. Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah would slot in nicely with the 49ers, lining up with Buckner and Thomas.

Ansah led the Detroit Lions with 12.5 sacks in 2017 and was No. 8 in the NFL. His pass-rushing capabilities is just what San Francisco needs (video via 5 Star Lineman Academy):

The addition of Ansah would seriously bolster the unit, giving it the opportunity to be one of the league’s most complete.

  • Players I also like: DeMarcus Lawrence, Dallas Cowboys; Alex Okafor, New Orleans Saints; Kony Ealy, New York Jets.