SF 49ers: 3 items on DeMeco Ryans’ to-do list in 2021

DeMeco Ryans has some work to do as the new SF 49ers defensive coordinator

2021 will bring on a new era for the SF 49ers, as the team will have a new defensive coordinator in DeMeco Ryans as his predecessor, Robert Saleh, starts his tenure as the new head coach of the New York Jets.

While it’s hard to see the Niners changing a lot of what’s made their defense hold up surprisingly well despite the array of injuries in 2020, Ryans doesn’t exactly get to avoid some of the problems before the 2021 season.

This is the most important offseason for San Francisco in quite some time. While a lot of attention is rightfully on the quarterback position and what the team will do there, it should also be mentioned that there’s still a lot of work to be done on the defensive position.

With the offseason now officially underway, here are the three things on Ryans’ to-do list.

No. 1: Amassing the SF 49ers’ best defensive line possible

Left tackle Trent Williams is the No. 1 priority for the team as far as team free agents are concerned. We saw exactly what happened in the Super Bowl happens when blocking fails you.

The Kansas City Chiefs had two backup tackles on the field against a fearsome defensive front that didn’t have to blitz.

That’s precisely what the SF 49ers must get back in 2021.

Extending EDGE Kerry Hyder is a must. Fellow EDGE Dee Ford doesn’t look likely to make an impact for San Francisco again, and third-year pro Nick Bosa needs a partner in crime for the new season. Hyder performed well with zero help, so having him on the defensive line with someone who can attract more attention would be good to see.

On the defensive tackle front, the team looks fine with Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw starting. What will need to happen is finding depth behind them, whether that’s bringing players back who flashed or drafting/signing someone is another matter.