San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the top 5 roster needs for 2019

By Peter Panacy | Jan 30, 2019

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions is sacked by Cassius Marsh #54 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos is pressured by Cassius Marsh #54 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)

SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos is pressured by Cassius Marsh #54 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Edge Rusher

Yes, the 49ers secondary is a massive concern this offseason. But a good pass rush can solve a lot of woes in the defensive backfield.

Not surprisingly, this was a big problem for San Francisco in 2018. The Niners tied for 22nd with just 37 sacks last year. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner ended up setting a career high with 12.0 sacks, yet the 49ers didn’t get the kind of edge-rushing contributions they hoped for at season’s outset. Instead, the team’s primary outside pass-rusher, Cassius Marsh, finished 2018 with just 5.5 sacks.

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Marsh is a good option as a situational pass-rusher, primarily used in a reserve role. The 49ers need a massive upgrade here, however, meaning options in NFL free agency and the NFL Draft should be of top priority.

Thankfully, there are decent options with both. It would be a shock to see the Detroit Lions re-sign EDGE Ezekiel Ansah after yet another injury-plagued year last season. He has a connection with a 49ers coach, Kris Kocurek, so that’s something to watch.

Yet it’s more likely the Niners use the draft as a means to supplement the pass rush. Selecting at No. 2 overall this April, San Francisco could be in position to grab Ohio State EDGE Nick Bosa, a player widely viewed as the best overall prospect in this year’s class and the more prolific edge rusher in some years. Later edge-rushing prospects, should the 49ers trade down, include Clemson’s Clelin Ferrell and Mississippi State’s Montez Sweat.

Either way, look for the Niners to add two outside pass-rushers this offseason. It isn’t as if they can afford not to.

Next. 5 reasons the 49ers are Super Bowl contenders in 2020. dark

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