49ers 2018 ‘Who Is?’ series: EDGE Jeremiah Attaochu
By Peter Panacy
Niner Noise’s 2018 “Who Is?” series takes a look at the San Francisco 49ers’ offseason free-agent pickup, edge rusher Jeremiah Attaochu, and how he’ll fit with the team this season.
The San Francisco 49ers didn’t do much to address their lack of a pass rush this offseason — a bit of a question mark after the defense finished tied for 26th with just 30 sacks in 2017.
Instead, the Niners are hoping either on-roster or less-heralded options will do the trick.
Part of this approach was to ink former Los Angeles Chargers EDGE Jeremiah Attaochu to a one-year, $5.125 million contract this offseason.
Attaochu, 25 years old, is a former second-round pick by the Chargers back in 2014. His last two seasons at Georgia Tech were pretty prolific, seeing him register a total of 22.5 sacks between 2012 and 2013.
Unfortunately, the collegiate success hasn’t exactly carried over to the pro ranks:
Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/11/2018.
Without question, 2015 was his best season thus far — not exactly a surprise for a second-year player. Unfortunately, injuries in 2016 diminished his impact. And when the Chargers selected former Ohio State EDGE Joey Bosa in Round 1 that year, Attaochu was all but pushed to the periphery.
With the Niners lacking a true EDGE threat this season, Attaochu is poised to rediscover the traits he displayed in 2015 and in college. It isn’t as if he will lack for the opportunity.
But how will he go about reaching it? And, just as possible, what will be the elements setting him back?
Let’s take a look.
San Francisco 49ers
Why Jeremiah Attaochu Improves with the 49ers
Attaochu was a healthy scratch for all but four games last season, so the arrow can essentially go in only one direction.
To be fair, the Chargers looked beyond Attaochu the year before, which wouldn’t be a total shock if he was an aging veteran. But Attaochu is still young. And his 6-foot-3, 252-pound frame is the ideal build for a true LEO-type edge rusher in coordinator Robert Saleh’s 4-3 Under defense.
Going back and looking at Attaochu’s NFL.com draft-profile report, one thing that stands out is his ability to generate a quick inside move. Many mid-level pass-rushers either rely solely on a bull rush or outside speed. Those techniques can work well in college. But going against top-level offensive tackles, the best pass-rushers need a variety of moves.
Both inside and outside.
Attaochu displayed these abilities early, so it’s not as if they’re absent in his arsenal.
Combine that with playing next to 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, the team’s best up-front defender, Attaochu won’t have to “do it all,” so to speak.
Why Attaochu Might Have Leveled Out
Attaochu is still young, yes. But it isn’t as if he’s still on an upward trajectory.
Injuries have been a major issue for the once-talented pass-rusher. In 2016, an ankle sprain and broken foot were the culprits. Before 2017, it was a hamstring injury.
It’s anyone’s guess how much these injuries hurt Attaochu’s development. But the 2016 setbacks all but certainly led to the Chargers leaning more on pass-rushers like Bosa and Melvin Ingram to supply this need.
Additionally, one of the points of note on his NFL.com draft profile is how Attaochu is better suited to a 3-4 outside linebacker. In today’s NFL, it’s common to see edge defenders meshed together, although there are some technique differences.
But with the more-common nickel and dime packages in today’s play, Attaochu’s overall fit likely remains the same.
He just hasn’t improved upon that thus far and will have to do quite a bit to suggest he’s anything more than just a fringe player placed into a prominent role.
Chances of Making the 49ers Roster
A one-year deal at just over $5 million, $2.5 million of which is guaranteed, is a fairly modest investment. If he works out at, or above expectations, great. If he doesn’t, however, the Niners are in a position to release him without too much financial setback.
Attaochu’s primary competition this offseason will include edge rushers Solomon Thomas (in base downs), Cassius Marsh, Ronald Blair and Pita Taumoepenu, who have a combined total of 14 career sacks between them. Attaochu, on the other hand, has 10.
“It was definitely one of the factors,” he said of the Niners’ lack of a pass rush, via Eric Branch of SFGate.com. “And definitely just to add a boost to the edge rush. Knowing what I can do and what my skill sets are.”
San Francisco is hoping Attaochu’s skills are more reminiscent of 2015 and his last two years in college than anything else.
As for making the roster, it’s safe to say he’s in pretty good position. A lock might be too much to pin on him, but a strong bubble is a bit weak. He’d have to either suffer a notable injury or completely underwhelm in training camp — both of which are possible — to not make the 53-man roster.
Next: 49ers' early 53-man roster predictions for 2018
Regardless, Attaochu still has a lot to prove this season.