San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch confirmed that he’d been having productive conversations about pass rushers ahead of the November trade deadline.
One report surfaced on Saturday that the Niners would call to gauge the availability of Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who turns 31 in December. That’s a player that would cost the 49ers at least a third-round pick. Hendrickson does not seem like the type of player the 49ers would acquire midseason.
According to a report by Easton Butler that was confirmed by SB Nation’s ACME Packing’s Justis Mosqueda, the 49ers are one of two teams that called about the availability of Kingsley Enagbare.
The 25-year-old is in the final year of his rookie contract. Enagbare, 6’4″, 270 pounds, is not a player who would require serious draft capital or the type of financial investment that would jeopardize the Niners’ future cap status.
Enagbare has not played more than 30 percent of the snaps in a game this season. The 49ers might see value in a player who can contribute on special teams. Enagbare has played 51 snaps this season on five different special teams units.
Enagbare would be the “big end” in Robert Saleh’s defense, lining up on the strong side of the formation. He’s a big body that would allow the team to keep Bryce Huff as a pass-rush first player. Enagbare is the type of player who sets the edge against the run. The 49ers no longer have that player opposite of Mykel Williams, with Nick Bosa banged up.
If the 49ers do end up acquiring Enagbare, it won’t be for his pass-rush productivity in the first half. Enagbare currently ranks 47th in the NFL in win percentage among all edge rushers at 13.6 percent. For reference, Sam Okuayinonu’s win percentage is 11.6 percent. Enagbare has four pressures on 44 pass rushes this year. That’s better than Okayinonu’s four pressures on 97 pass rushes.
The 49ers need bodies. They are asking Okayinonu to play Bosa’s snaps. Against the Los Angeles Rams, Sam O played in over 76 percent of the snaps. By adding bodies, you take some of the workload off your role players. That’s part of the reason many fans want John Lynch to swing for the fences. But even a lesser-known name like Enagbare would strengthen the defensive line.
About the Author: Insidethe49
