49ers depth chart: 5 players who could shockingly start in 2023
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: 49ers EDGE Clelin Ferrell
Prior to the 2019 NFL Draft, an ACC scout told me just how excited he was to see Clemson edge Clelin Ferrell cut his teeth at the pro level.
Things obviously didn't work out for Ferrell with the Las Vegas Raiders, for whatever the reason. But now, he finds himself next in line as part of 49ers defensive line coach Kris Kocurek's latest reclamation project.
The No. 4 overall pick from 2019 was picked up on a one-year deal during the offseason, and the initial sign would be for him to become a rotational pass-rusher to help support the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Nick Bosa.
That said, the Niners don't exactly have a lot of proven pass-rushing options to pair with Bosa entering 2023.
Perhaps second-year pro Drake Jackson takes a massive leap, but it's just as feasible to look at someone like Ferrell resurrecting his own career, too.
And it might just be Ferrell operating as the opposite edge-rushing force instead of Jackson.