3 CFL players the 49ers should scout during the 2023 season
The 2023 Canadian Football League season is underway and there are a few players who might peak the San Francisco 49ers interest.
No. 1: Lorenzo Mauldin IV, defensive lineman
If the 49ers are looking for another quarterback hungry defensive lineman, they might want to watch the Ottawa REDBLACKS Lorenzo Mauldin IV.
In his first year with Ottawa, Mauldin racked up 17 quarterback sacks. 2022 was the first season he was able to play all 18 games. Previously, he was with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. During his debut season with the REDBLACKS, he was a CFL All-Star and won the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player award.
This man is half beast. He comes in at 6-foot-4, 259 pounds from Sacramento, California. However, he is extremely quick. Line him up anywhere on the line of scrimmage and there’s a high probability he’s making a play in the backfield.
In this piece from CFL.ca’s Jim Morris, Mauldin says he doesn’t want to be a “one-hit wonder.”
"“I feel like if I can go and do what I did last year, or get close to it, everybody will tell you this guy’s a consistent pass rusher, he’s a top-tier player every year. I’m ready to take on that challenge. That’s the point of playing the game, taking on a challenge.”"
- Lorenzo Mauldin IV
2023 will provide a big opportunity for the 30 year-old. The REDBLACKS aren’t expected to contended for the Grey Cup, but all eyes will be on the All-Star to see if he can put up 17 or more sacks again.