SF 49ers: NFL Draft options after potential Deshaun Watson trade
By Robert Smith
SF 49ers EDGE Options
When Nick Bosa went down with an ACL tear in Week 2 last season, the SF 49ers’ playoffs hopes essentially went with him.
The Niners will most likely be moving on from fellow EDGE Dee Ford this offseason after another injury-riddled season, saving cap space but opening up a glaring hole to pair with Bosa on the other side.
This draft looks to be deep with edge rushers, but the draft boards are all over the place with player projections. Beyond Michigan’s Kwity Paye, Miami’s Gregory Rousseau, and Texas’ Joseph Ossai, there are plenty of quality edge rushers to choose from in the mid-to-late rounds.
Pittsburgh Panther Patrick Jones II is a 6-foot-5, 260-pound specimen. He has all the measurables San Francisco looks for in an edge rusher. He excelled in his college career at pressuring the quarterback. In his 22 games, he tallied 24 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks. Jones II is a pure 4-3 rusher who also plays the run well. He can be a day-one impact player.
Other edge rushers whom the SF 49ers may look at are Miami’s Jaelan Phillips, Washington’s Joe Tryon, UAB’s Jordan Smith, Tulane’s Cam Sample, or Buffalo’s Malcolm Koonce.
Hopefully, Bosa can return and have the same impact as before the injury, and by all accounts, he appears to be healing well.
Regardless of which player the Niners choose, Bosa should have additional help coming his way.