Niner Noise
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Breaking down what the 49ers’ defense will look like in 2018

By Florito Maniego

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Tyler Lockett #16 of the Seattle Seahawks is tackled by Brock Coyle #50 and Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Tyler Lockett #16 of the Seattle Seahawks is tackled by Brock Coyle #50 and Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 10: Tom Savage #3 of the Houston Texans avoids a tackle by DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 10: Tom Savage #3 of the Houston Texans avoids a tackle by DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line

The 49ers’ defensive linemen are highly versatile and can shift through various positions. Having different looks on defense can trick opposing offenses on who plays as the LEO, the nose tackle, the interior defensive lineman and the strong defensive end.

The 3-technique and the 4-technique are covered by DeForest Buckner and Solomon Thomas, respectively. Earl Mitchell is likely to keep his job as the 1-technique after a decent season in 2017. San Francisco, however, is in need of a pure pass-rusher.

Throughout the 2017 season, the 49ers struggled in pressuring the quarterback and ranked 26th in total sacks as a team. By adding an elite edge rusher, such as Ezekiel Ansah, in free agency or drafting a LEO, San Francisco could finally address this issue.

Despite its inconsistencies, the 49ers’ defensive line has showed flashes of a formidable pass rush. For instance, San Francisco sacked then-Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer six times during Week 4 of the 2017 regular season.

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Notably, with excellent coverage of receivers, the 49ers’ defensive linemen penetrated quickly enough for Thomas to record the team’s first sack.

Buckner, defensive end Elvis Dumervil and linebacker Dekoda Watson were able to overpower the offensive line and trap Palmer before Thomas prevented the quarterback from making a big play.

By having a series of blitzes and varying formations, San Francisco was able to add pressure and decrease Palmer’s time to throw the ball.

Despite their success rushing Palmer, the 49ers have struggled against more formidable offensive lines. Thus, San Francisco needs to add the missing link to its dynamic defensive line.

Once the 49ers finally acquire a legitimate LEO opposite Thomas, this defensive line could be a force to be reckoned with come the 2018 season.