Rethinking 49ers 53-man roster after first wave of 2021 cuts

49ers Defensive Line (10)

EDGE Nick Bosa

EDGE Dee Ford

DL Arik Armstead

DT Javon Kinlaw

DT D.J. Jones

EDGE Arden Key

DT Zach Kerr

DT Maurice Hurst

EDGE Samson Ebukam

DL Jordan Willis (Suspended)

PS: DL Eddie Yarbrough, DL Darrion Daniels

Of all the surprising stories out of camp, this one might be the biggest: 49ers’ EDGE rusher Dee Ford is looking good and the team is cautiously optimistic about his availability for this season.

To be blunt, Ford being a useful player, even on a part-time basis, would be a massive help for this team which, while solid through much of its defensive line, is unsure of who will provide the pass-rushing depth beyond a returning Nick Bosa.

Ford being healthy would mean that newly-signed Samson Ebukam would not be relied upon as the every-down pass rusher opposite Bosa and former Raider Arden Key, who has looked good in training camp by all accounts, could also slide in to add to the depth.

The interior of the line is stacked and could be one of the best single units on the team, with players like Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw, D.J. Jones, Maurice Hurst, and Zach Kerr looking to wreak havoc from the interior.

Much like they did during their Super Bowl run in 2019, the 49ers defense will be dependent on the defensive line to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks and relieve some of the anxiety surrounding the secondary. If they’re able to do so, the defense could be among the better overall groups in the NFL this season.