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2019 NFL Scouting Combine: 5 pass-rushers who should intrigue 49ers

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 06: Defensive back Brian Allen of Utah runs the shuttle drill during day six of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 6, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 06: Defensive back Brian Allen of Utah runs the shuttle drill during day six of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 6, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 26: Nick Bosa #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates a sack against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 26: Nick Bosa #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates a sack against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Another player with some red flags is Ohio State EDGE Nick Bosa, albeit for very different reasons.

Bosa, widely viewed as the consensus top prospect in this year’s NFL Draft, missed all but three games in 2018 with an abdominal injury — one which required surgery that convinced the talented edge rusher to sit out the remainder of his junior year to prepare for his life at the pro level.

A business decision, absolutely. Nothing wrong with that.

Still, the NFL Scouting Combine will be the first publicly viewable showcase of Bosa’s efforts since his injury. Scouts, particularly those selecting towards the top of the draft, will be paying close attention to whether or not Bosa has lost a proverbial step or is showing any signs of setback post injury.

The good news is his surgery wasn’t expected to cut into his draft preparation. Yet his on-field efforts will still draw questions here.

As far as the 49ers go, they’re going to be inclined to hope the top-drafting Arizona Cardinals either trade out of their spot to a team moving up for a quarterback (very possible), or elect to address their interior defensive line needs, possibly grabbing someone like Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams instead.

If that’s the case, Bosa is the shoo-in choice for San Francisco. But if Bosa goes, the Niners may fall back upon one of the other edge rushers mentioned.

Next. 5 Round 1 trade-up targets for 49ers in the NFL Draft. dark

The 2019 NFL Scouting Combine kicks off on Tuesday, Feb. 26 from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.