It isn’t difficult to discern the 49ers’ top need in the 2019 NFL draft. They need help rushing the passer off the edge, and finding that player in free agency probably isn’t in the cards. Given the importance of an effective edge rusher in the modern NFL, it would be difficult to imagine the 49ers going a different route. That’s why their selection of Kentucky outside linebacker Josh Allen in Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft makes so much sense.
There’s talk San Francisco could trade back in the first round to accumulate more picks while taking advantage of a deep edge class. The selection of Alabama defensive lineman Quinnen Williams has also gained traction as pre-draft pontification has gotten rolling. Doing either of those things feels like an overthink from the 49ers’ front office.
Allen is an athletic, rangy outside linebacker who can play SAM linebacker and rush the passer with his hand on the ground. Kiper doesn’t have the Kentucky product far behind No. 1 edge rusher Nick Bosa:
If the Niners don’t trade down to add up more picks, I expect them to take an edge rusher here. And Allen (6-5, 250) is just a step behind Bosa on my board. Two former first-round picks along the defensive line (Arik Armstead and Solomon Thomas) have struggled in San Francisco, but neither has the pure pass-rushing ability of Allen, who had 17 sacks and five forced fumbles last season. Allen would fill a glaring need.
Kiper’s last line is the most important one to consider for the 49ers. They have a slew of needs on their roster, but edge rusher is by far the largest. It’s such a point of weakness for them that adding a top-end player is vital.
They have the second overall pick, meaning they’ll have a chance at one of the top two EDGE players in the draft. That’s a dream scenario for a team that’s only picking as high as they are because of injury. Adding a top-two talent at their biggest position of need to a healthy iteration of their roster immediately vaults them into the playoff discussion.
Whether Bosa slides one spot, or Allen is the best EDGE prospect available when the 49ers pick, they have to go that route. Complicating it only increases their chances of missing on an edge rusher for the second consecutive year. They cannot afford that kind of swing if they want to contend in 2019.
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