Niner Noise
FanSided

5 early candidates for 49ers first pick in 2020 NFL Draft

By Elvis Jerez

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Terrell Lewis #24 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates beating the Georgia Bulldogs in overtime and winning the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. Alabama won 26-23. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Terrell Lewis #24 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates beating the Georgia Bulldogs in overtime and winning the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. Alabama won 26-23. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /
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Terrell Lewis #24 of the Alabama Crimson Tide. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
Terrell Lewis #24 of the Alabama Crimson Tide. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /

. EDGE. Crimson Tide . Terrell Lewis. 5. player. 829

Who is he?

Going into the 2020 NFL Draft, EDGE Terrell Lewis from Alabama is ranked 38th overall and fifth in his position. With the 49ers picking 31st, it’s a slight reach, but it might be necessary. Per the Roll Tide website, in 2019 Lewis recorded:

  • 11.5 tackles for loss
  • six sacks
  • 16 pressures
  • 31 tackles overall

Injuries could cause Lewis’ NFL Draft stock to decline. In 2018, he suffered both an arm injury and a season-ending knee injury. Despite the setbacks, in 2019, Lewis recorded the above stats, which are good enough for a fifth-place tie in the SEC. Fans may shudder at the idea of selecting another candidate with a history of injury in the first round. Remember that EDGE Nick Bosa raised concerns with his collegiate injuries, yet compiled an on-field season worthy of earning him the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, and he helped the 49ers make it to the Super Bowl.

Why it makes sense?

As posited earlier, if Arik Armstead is not on the 49ers roster in 2020, then the Niners are well-advised to reach for this guy slightly. You can’t have too much depth on an elite defense, and Bosa and the boys could use another body in the trenches.

There’s only one Armstead, but Lewis could make an impact right away. If anything, he could provide rotational relief until he grows into his role. Taking a top-five EDGE in this NFL Draft could further fuel the Niners’ hopes of staying competitive and nailing that elusive sixth Lombardi Trophy.