49ers 7-round mock NFL Draft after first wave of free agency

Round 2, Pick No. 43 Overall: 49ers select EDGE Joseph Ossai, Texas

Unlike the 2019 NFL Draft when the Niners landed Nick Bosa, or even the 2020 draft when EDGE Chase Young went to the Washington Football Team, there’s no clear-cut stud in the outside pass-rushing department in this year’s class. Each one of the top prospects, from Miami’s Gregory Rousseau to Michigan’s Kwity Paye, has some sort of concern or question mark.

In the case of Texas’ Joseph Ossai, one might cite the lack of sack production with him having just 11.5 sacks over three collegiate years.

Still, there’s a lot to like about the 6-foot-4, 253-pound Ossai at the pro level.

Pro Football Focus explained:

"This past year as a full-time edge, his production took off with an 81.1 run-defense grade and an 80.5 pass-rushing grade. After putting up a 41.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-11 broad jump at 256 pounds at the Texas pro day, Ossai may not last long come draft time."

With room to fill out his frame, plus the transition to an edge-rushing player, Ossai could break out at the NFL level.

Despite San Francisco’s addition of Samson Ebukam, there’s still a need for pass-rushing help. Particularly with Bosa coming off a torn ACL last year and fellow EDGE Dee Ford highly unlikely to play in 2021, at least the very beginning of the season.

Plus, it’s never a bad idea to stockpile pass-rushers.