Power ranking 5 new 49ers free-agent additions from 2021

No. 3: 49ers Defensive Tackle Zach Kerr

Yes, the Niners re-signed nose tackle D.J. Jones to a one-year deal, and that move shouldn’t be overlooked.

Yet one of the two key problems for San Francisco’s defensive line, especially in the wake of so many injuries last year, was the lack of depth along with the general lack of speed.

So it makes sense why the 49ers targeted former Colts, Cardinals and Carolina Panthers nose tackle Zach Kerr to compete for defensive snaps with Jones along the defensive front.

Kerr, 6-foot-2 and 334 pounds, epitomizes the short, squatty 1-technique nose tackle the Niners have employed for their 4-3 base formations. Usually, players of this ilk are run-stoppers only, but Kerr has flashed enough in the pass-rush department to suggest he could be a two- or three-down player in a rotation with Jones or anyone else on the interior.

While Kerr has only 9.5 sacks over his seven-year career, his 27 quarterback hits suggest he’s not immune from getting to the quarterback.

Plus, for a player his size, Kerr actually moves pretty well and has some speed to his game, which can create all kinds of trouble of opposing blockers are too busy dealing with edge rushers like Nick Bosa and the next player on this list, Samson Ebukam.