2021 NFL Draft: 5 prospects 49ers should watch early on

49ers Target No. 3: EDGE Quincy Roche, Miami

The 49ers already boast two elite-level edge rushers, Nick Bosa and Dee Ford. So adding another pass-rusher off the outside seems a bit redundant, right? Especially if that player is likely tabbed a Round 2 pick.

Not so fast.

Given San Francisco’s current cap situation and desire to extend George Kittle, Ford could end up becoming a cap casualty in 2021, especially if his health isn’t quite up to the level the Niners need it to be.

Instead, getting someone productive enough to fill the void on a rookie contract would be vital.

Miami’s Quincy Roche could be a player to watch here, especially if he enjoys a similar kind of season he put together before transferring from Temple. In 2019, Roche managed an impressive 13 sacks and 19 tackles for a loss, using his excellent 6-foot-4, 235-pound frame to generate regular pressure off the outside.

Roche wouldn’t have to be a premier pass-rusher right away, either, allowing him to develop and hone his still-budding skill set.

There’s some rawness to his game, and he’ll need to develop his pass-rushing array a bit more.

A solid 2020 campaign, however, could make a team like the 49ers much more comfortable in targeting him.