49ers training camp: 4 juiciest depth-chart battles to watch
By Peter Panacy
49ers juicy camp battle No. 2: Secondary pass-rusher
The 49ers are poised to move on from a high-profile pass-rusher, Dee Ford, who was supposed to be that perfect complement to Pro Bowl EDGE Nick Bosa ever since the former was acquired in 2019.
Ford’s recurring injuries have left a notable void here, and the Niners tried answering that by signing former Los Angeles Rams EDGE Samson Ebukam last year.
Ebukam is in the mix to line up opposite Bosa on both base downs and in passing situations this year, but he’s not the only name to watch. There are plenty of other pass-rushing names who could work their way into the equation, such as San Francisco’s 2020 leading sack specialist, Kerry Hyder, who’s back after a one-year stint with the Seattle Seahawks. Defensive end Charles Omenihu is in play, as is another free-agent pickup, Kemoko Turay, who had a career-best 5.5 sacks over 13 games last year for the Indianapolis Colts.
Reserve EDGE Jordan Willis is a candidate, too.
However, in light of the 49ers regularly reinforcing this position of strength on a year-to-year basis, checking out what second-round rookie EDGE Drake Jackson can do in his first season will be of particular interest.
If Jackson turns into the pass-rushing force he’s expected to be, the Niners will truly be thrilled.
It’ll be fun to see how that pans out during camp.