Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking top 3 defensive needs ahead of NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 21: Wide receiver Brandin Cooks #12 of the Los Angeles Rams catches a touchdown over cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter of the game at Levi's Stadium on December 21, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 21: Wide receiver Brandin Cooks #12 of the Los Angeles Rams catches a touchdown over cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter of the game at Levi's Stadium on December 21, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Dee Ford, Nick Bosa, 49ers
Nick Bosa #97 and Dee Ford #55 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Pass-Rushing Depth

On the surface, it wouldn’t appear the 49ers need additional pass-rushing help, particularly off the edge. At least not after considering edge rushers Dee Ford and Nick Bosa.

But the DeForest Buckner trade has an implication, likely meaning Arik Armstead moves from being a primarily outside edge rusher into more of a 3-technique player attacking from the inside. The 49ers’ former No. 3 overall pick from the draft, defensive end Solomon Thomas, has a shot to play a larger role now with Buckner gone. Although assuming he’s little more than a rotational piece is probably a bit far-fetched.

The Niners re-signed defensive lineman Ronald Blair, as well as bringing aboard the versatile Kerry Hyder. Yet it wouldn’t be a bad move to find some more outside pass-rushing depth.

Remember, when you think you have enough pass-rushers, grab another. That’s never a bad route to take.

Ford has an injury history, which plagued him throughout 2019. Blair is coming off a torn ACL. As such, finding some players capable of spelling these two on the field, or backing them up should there be another injury setback, should be something John Lynch and Co. strongly look at in the later rounds of the draft.