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Jimmy Garoppolo: 5 moves the 49ers can make to help their quarterback in 2018

By Chris Wilson

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 17: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on December 17, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 17: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on December 17, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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49ers Jimmy Garoppolo Ronald Blair
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 24: Ronald Blair #98 of the San Francisco 49ers sacks Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Draft a dominant edge pass-rusher

Although it may seen counterintuitive, one of the most important things the 49ers can do for Jimmy Garoppolo is to draft a player on the defensive side of the ball. The quicker the Niners’ defense can get off the field, the more time Garoppolo has to work his magic.

The Niners desperately need the dominant edge pass-rusher they lacked in 2017. Last season, 33-year-old Elvis Dumervil led the team with just 6.5 sacks, and no other defender was able to log half that number.

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s defense — in its purest form — requires consistent pressure from the defensive front four. Since the Niners’ front was unable to generate enough pressure, Saleh was forced bring blitzes – including over 70 from the secondary — which left holes in coverage for opposing quarterbacks to attack.

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Before the 49ers’ defense can become elite, they need to add a dominant edge pass-rusher, and the most economical way to do so is through the draft. This year’s draft offers a number of enticing options.

The Niners would have to be lucky for top prospect Bradley Chubb to fall to their first pick in the draft. Marucs Davenport was originally projected to be a second-day selection, but with his stock rising, may now require a late first-round pick.

If the 49ers’ defense can find their missing pass-rushing piece — allowing them to dominate their opponents — it will put Garoppolo in the best position to succeed. Without being forced to chase points, the Niners’ quarterback of the future will be able to play within himself, and continue to develop via the use of Kyle Shanahan’s complete playbook and coaching philosophy.

Next: Chris Wilson's 2018 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

In 2017, Jimmy Garoppolo achieved much with the little he was given. If the team makes these five moves, the sky is the limit for the San Francisco 49ers’ franchise QB.