5 underrated moves 49ers made during 2023 offseason
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers sign EDGE Clelin Ferrell to 1-year deal
For defensive linemen whose careers have almost entirely flamed out, going to the Niners should be a dream come true.
Defensive line coach Kris Kocurek has a knack for taking in castoffs and underachievers and turning them into respectable defenders. His list of clients includes Kerry Hyder, Arden Key, Jordan Willis, Samson Ebukam, Charles Omenihu and now...
Clelin Ferrell.
Ferrell, the No. 4 overall pick from the 2019 NFL Draft, never cut it with the Las Vegas Raiders, and he has just 10 sacks to his name after quite the productive career at Clemson. However, as is usually the case with busted top-10 picks, one can safely wonder if the Raiders used Ferrell in the right manner.
That, plus the notion of someone like Kocurek maximizing Ferrell could ultimately translate into a solid B-list pass-rushing addition.
Ferrell is never going to live up to his draft stock. But he could have a Key-like ascent back into the ranks of respectability, even if he only makes an impact with San Francisco for just one year.