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2019 NFL Draft: 5 pass-rushing options for the San Francisco 49ers

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 02: Quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers looks to pass against the defensive lineman Nick Bosa #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 02: Quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers looks to pass against the defensive lineman Nick Bosa #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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CLEMSON, SC – SEPTEMBER 17: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers reacts with Carlos Watkins #94 and Jalen Williams #30 after a sack during the game against the SC State Bulldogs at Memorial Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Tyler Smith / Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC – SEPTEMBER 17: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers reacts with Carlos Watkins #94 and Jalen Williams #30 after a sack during the game against the SC State Bulldogs at Memorial Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Tyler Smith / Getty Images) /

On one of the many NFL Draft simulations Niner Noise has ran over the past few weeks, Clemson EDGE Clelin Ferrell ended up going No. 1 overall to the New York Jets.

It’s anyone’s guess whether or not the 6-foot-5, 265-pound Tiger winds up having the kind of season worthy of earning first-overall nods in 2019. But based off his trajectory so far, it wouldn’t be shocking.

Ferrell has 15.5 sacks and a whopping 30.5 tackles for a loss the past two years. And while the talent level along Clemson’s defensive line was second to none in 2017, Ferrell was arguably the most disruptive out of them all. He’s more than serviceable against the run too, meaning whichever team drafts him winds up with an every-down defender.

More importantly, Ferrell’s burst and speed off the edge is an aspect the 49ers currently lack. While they have good interior rushers such as Solomon Thomas and DeForest Buckner, a true edge bender would benefit the in-place investments San Francisco has made along its D-line the past few years.

The problem, though, is Ferrell likely winds up going in the top 10. Perhaps the top five. Yet if the 49ers either have a bad season in 2018 or elect to throw in the chips and trade up, Ferrell is probably off the table by the time the Niners’ name is called in Round 1.