Niner Noise
FanSided

3 problems still facing 49ers after 2020 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: General manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers looks on prior to Super Bowl LIV against the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: General manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers looks on prior to Super Bowl LIV against the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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South Carolina Gamecocks
Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina Gamecocks (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

No. 3: 49ers’ Defensive Line Depth

Grabbing Javon Kinlaw to replace DeForest Buckner, at least in terms of role and the roster spot, was a wise choice. At least insofar as projections.

But the Niners spent the entirety of the remaining portion of the NFL Draft focusing on offense, leaving some notable question marks regarding their defensive line depth.

Again, that depth was tested last year, particularly after losing nose tackle D.J. Jones (ankle) and defensive end Ronald Blair (ACL) to season-ending injuries. Jones is expected back fully healthy, and San Francisco re-signed Blair while hoping he fully recovers. Yet the team also lost defensive tackle Sheldon Day, among others, to bolster the crop of starters expected to retain their hold as one of the league’s best.

When this depth was tested in the second half of 2019, it was pretty evident the 49ers D-line wasn’t quite as potent as it once was. And while Kinlaw looks to be a stout defender for San Francisco in the coming years, he’s not on the level of Buckner.

And that could spell some issues for the Niners defense.

The 49ers brought aboard former Nebraska defensive lineman Darrion Daniels as an undrafted free agent, which could help support players like Jones, Blair and Jullian Taylor. But some more potent players targeted on day three of the draft could have been helpful.

Hopefully the Niners can get by with what they have.