The 49ers are set to acquire edge rusher Dee Ford for a 2020 second-round pick in a trade with the Chiefs. That’s a solution to their pass-rush issues, but only a partial one. They still have to be aggressive in getting an edge rusher in the draft.
With the No. 2 overall pick, the 49ers have a chance to set up a dynamic pass rush that can dramatically impact games. Whether it’s Nick Bosa, Josh Allen or another player, San Francisco still has to take the best available EDGE when they pick.
Ford had 13 sacks a season ago, and 30.5 sacks in 67-career games. He was Pro Football Focus’ top-graded edge rusher last season, but he’d surely benefit from another player at that position.
The 27-year-old figures to slot in as the SAM linebacker in the base defense. His versatility off the edge should allow him to move down to defensive end in sub packages. A player like Bosa would stay at defensive end, or move inside, in base and sub packages. Having two impact players on the edge, especially in passing downs, is vital.
On the other hand, this does give San Francisco a little more pliability in the first round. If they think Ford will help a player further down the draft to affect games, they can move back from the No. 2 pick.
Given the emphasis general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have put on the need for game-wrecking edge player, it’s difficult to imagine they won’t stay put at No. 2 and just take the top pass rush prospect on their board.
What the Ford trade does do is eliminate the need to track down an edge rusher in free agency. This explains the team’s seeming lack of interest in obtaining a free agent edge rusher through the early portions of the legal tampering period. They may still snag a free agent, but it’ll be a lower tier player who acts as a depth piece.
San Francisco’s list of needs has changed a bit through the first couple days of free agency, but edge rusher is still at the top. That’s not likely to change between the opening of free agency and the draft.
About the Author: Insidethe49
