49ers roster: These 5 players impressed most during mandatory minicamp

No. 2: 49ers EDGE Kemoko Turay

The 49ers’ pass-rushing room is going to look a bit different in 2022 than it did for much of last season, namely in the wake of the inevitable parting of ways with oft-injured EDGE Dee Ford and with defensive end Arden Key signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars during the offseason.

Pro Bowl EDGE Nick Bosa made his appearance during mandatory minicamp but only partook in sideline workouts, not on-field drills.

And while there was plenty of attention on the Niners’ top pick from this year’s NFL Draft, EDGE Drake Jackson, it’s looking as if the top pass-rusher so far has been another free-agent pickup, former Indianapolis Colts EDGE Kemoko Turay.

From Grant Cohn:

"The most explosive edge rusher on the field during team drills (remember, Bosa suited up but didn’t practice). Turay has an extremely quick first step and he does a good job of bending underneath the offensive tackle’s reach as he rushes around the edge. He won lots of matchups and frequently had to slide to avoid touching the quarterback."

While he has dealt with injuries for much of his pro career, the 26-year-old former second-round draft pick established himself as a quality rotational pass-rusher last season for Indy, notching 5.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits over 13 games played.

San Francisco would ideally like to get Jackson into a featured role opposite Bosa sooner than later, but early signs are pointing to Turay being a key option on third downs to supplement the pass rush.

Good for Turay.