49ers NFL Draft: 5 impact players San Francisco should want on defense

Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech

Tremaine Edmunds is No.1 on my big board, bar-none. The 49ers are in need of an edge rusher and linebacker, Edmunds provides the best of both worlds.

The young man brings passion, fortitude and the will-to-win on every snap. With his insane ability to play the game of football at its highest level, Edmunds also possesses the physical attributes to take over a game.

At 6-foot-5, and all of 250 pounds of solid steel, Edmunds has no shame in bringing his helmet to the arena. As a first-team All-ACC selection in 2017, recording a team-high 109 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and three forced fumbles to his credit, Edmunds displayed more than amassing outlandish numbers, but showed outstanding versatility as well.

Moving in space, covering tight ends and backs, and summoned to come off the edge to pressure and get to the quarterback demands a special type of athlete. Edmunds exhibits and makes obvious to all he is capable of playing in any type of defense.

Edmunds would fill a gaping hole at the LB position as Reuben Foster’s off-the-field problems continue to mount. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will surely administer a multiple-game suspension. That would be the least of Foster’s worries, as the 49ers front office may want to consider severing relations with the first-round linebacker.

Should John Lynch pull the trigger on Edmunds, then no doubt the entire fanbase would take a deep breath in relief knowing they have a capable athlete ready to fill a void, should Foster move on from the 49ers organization.