Niner Noise
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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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JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 30: Montez Sweat #9 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts after a tackle for loss against the Louisville Cardinals during the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bulldogs won 31-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 30: Montez Sweat #9 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts after a tackle for loss against the Louisville Cardinals during the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bulldogs won 31-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

After spending his first two collegiate years in obscurity at Michigan State, edge rusher Montez Sweat elected to take his talents down south to Mississippi State, where he burst on the scene in 2017 with a whopping 10.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for a loss.

This would have earned him top consideration in last year’s NFL Draft, but Sweat elected to return for his senior year — an effort that hopefully translates into an even better draft ranking.

We’ll see if that happens, but there surely is a lot to like from Sweat here.

Interestingly enough, the Draft Network’s Kyle Crabbs liked the idea of Sweat to the 49ers, mocking him to San Francisco in his latest projection:

"Sure, the 49ers have invested heavily in the defensive line in recent years. Having added Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner and Solomon Thomas in the first round of three consecutive drafts, it’d be easy to assume the job is done. It isn’t. One thing missing from this group? A potent pass rusher with speed. Thomas, Armstead and Buckner are all best suited to rush with power as compared to speed, which is where Sweat comes in. After all, there is no such thing as too much pass rush."

Pretty much the Niners’ current problem.

Like Brian Burns, Sweat would need to add some bulk to his 6-foot-6, 241-pound frame. Fortunately, his frame is built to take on additional muscle, turning this elusive and agile pass-rusher into a top EDGE prospect in 2019.