Niner Noise
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Power ranking the 49ers’ 2019 NFL Draft options at No. 4 heading into Week 16

By Jeremy Wohlfart

LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 22: Josh Allen #41 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates during the 28-7 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Commonwealth Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 22: Josh Allen #41 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates during the 28-7 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Commonwealth Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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LEXINGTON, KY – SEPTEMBER 22: Josh Allen #41 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates during the 28-7 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Commonwealth Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY – SEPTEMBER 22: Josh Allen #41 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates during the 28-7 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Commonwealth Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Draft Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky

Why this makes sense

Well, how does this not make sense?

Kentucky EDGE Josh Allen fits what the 49ers need most, a potent pass-rusher who has improved his ability to get into the backfield in literally every season he’s played. This culminated in a season where he’s had an amazing 14 sacks.

Allen can play on the edge in a 4-3 or linebacker in a 3-4 defense, and could even be used as a blitzing linebacker on passing downs for a 4-3 defense that’s creative in his blitzes.

Elite pass-rushers are as valuable as quarterbacks to teams looking to take home a Lombardi Trophy.

Nick Bosa and Quinnin Williams are Nos. 1 and 2 on my board, but Allen is not a bad No. 3 by any stretch.

Why it may not happen

Simply put,  he may not be available.

It’s entirely possible the top three could go some combination of Bosa, Williams and Allen if the Cardinals, Raiders and Jets don’t want to trade down and don’t like the other players.

All three are looking for pass-rushers for next season, and they may very well find the likes of Allen impossible to resist.

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If so, the 49ers will be forced to look elsewhere for someone to assist in the pass rush. Not an impossible task but one much more difficult if they can’t land one of the big three.