Restocking the DL (early draft crushes)

Originally posted by adrianlesnar:
Discouraged by reading opinions in this thread lol. You know, we've ONLY had a top 5 defense and made the NFC championship game 3 times and Superbowl once since 2019 with different DCs while prioritizing the DLine, so maybe it's time to do something different....

Keeping the DL stocked, both inside and out on the edges, is absolutely crucial. That said, there isn't much in the draft this year, imo, where we're picking. I've got my fingers crossed for Omenihu and Arden Key returning.

Nailed it. Niners will have to rebuild the rotation both inside and outside to maintain their status as a top 5 defense. There are some good mid to late round options for NT/ DT's (J. Clark, Cam Young, D. Maxwell) and some decent edge rushers that should be available in round 3 (B. Young TEN and I. McGuire). Niners will likely re-sign guys like Omenihu, Key or J. Willis if the price is right on the edge and Ridgeway as a DT plus make use their 10 draft picks to supplement their FA signings.

Originally posted by m_brockalexander:

Originally posted by adrianlesnar:
Discouraged by reading opinions in this thread lol. You know, we've ONLY had a top 5 defense and made the NFC championship game 3 times and Superbowl once since 2019 with different DCs while prioritizing the DLine, so maybe it's time to do something different....

Keeping the DL stocked, both inside and out on the edges, is absolutely crucial. That said, there isn't much in the draft this year, imo, where we're picking. I've got my fingers crossed for Omenihu and Arden Key returning.

Nailed it. Niners will have to rebuild the rotation both inside and outside to maintain their status as a top 5 defense. There are some good mid to late round options for NT/ DT's (J. Clark, Cam Young, D. Maxwell) and some decent edge rushers that should be available in round 3 (B. Young TEN and I. McGuire). Niners will likely re-sign guys like Omenihu, Key or J. Willis if the price is right on the edge and Ridgeway as a DT plus make use their 10 draft picks to supplement their FA signings.

I think Ioannidis could be on their radar and affordable. One guy I hadn't thought about, but would be a good fit, albeit more expensive, would be Poona Ford

I can easily see us drafting 4 or so guys along the DL. depending on who we resign of course.

Edge setters
1 .Adetomiwa Adebawore (can kick inside on passing downs)
2. Zach Harrison (can kick inside on passing downs)
3. KJ Henry

3 down DE
1. Elijah McGuire
2. Thomas incoom

Pass rush specialist
1. Byron Young (TEN)
2. Nick Herbig
3.Nick Hampton
4. Xavier Thomas

NT
1.Siaki Ika
2. Cameron Young
3. Jarrod Clark
4. Keondr Coburn

3T
1. Karl Brooks
2. Zacch Pickens
3. Nesta Jade Silvera (more run stopper than pass rusher)
4. DJ Dale
5. Jayson Ademilola
6. Jordan Ferguson
7. Dante Stills

Fact is we only have about half (5) of the likely 9-11 defensive lineman who'll make the 53. So like it or not we'll be adding several thru free agency and the draft.

One point I'd like to comment on. Drake Jackson was the Aaron Banks of 2022. Draft in 2nd with the intent to start year 2. He may or may not. Drafting with late comp 3's we should t expect to draft someone to start instead of him.

We need bodies. The only question is who, how much we will pay and if drafted where 3-7 we take them. Philosophically we're not changing our mindset. But we have several needs to address alongside this one. Priorities will be revealed

Also won't be surprised if we keep 2-4 of our own free agents on the d line

Originally posted by davidboutte:
Also won't be surprised if we keep 2-4 of our own free agents on the d line

I think Hyder is a no Brainer due to our DL coach. I also see Willis coming back. Hopefully Omenihu as well. The rest can be replaced IMO

Originally posted by davidboutte:
Fact is we only have about half (5) of the likely 9-11 defensive lineman who'll make the 53. So like it or not we'll be adding several thru free agency and the draft.

One point I'd like to comment on. Drake Jackson was the Aaron Banks of 2022. Draft in 2nd with the intent to start year 2. He may or may not. Drafting with late comp 3's we should t expect to draft someone to start instead of him.

We need bodies. The only question is who, how much we will pay and if drafted where 3-7 we take them. Philosophically we're not changing our mindset. But we have several needs to address alongside this one. Priorities will be revealed

Jackson should have more playing time this year. Sack total will be over 10 if he's a full time player. 3rd down speed rusher is needed. Justin Houston type player on a team friendly deal

Originally posted by Hoovtrain:
I think Ioannidis could be on their radar and affordable. One guy I hadn't thought about, but would be a good fit, albeit more expensive, would be Poona Ford

Signing a vet DT/NT like Ford would give them a lot more flexibility with their late 3rd rd picks. With the depth this year, the Niners could grab a center, OT, FS, or maybe even a rotational DE.

THEN - they could grab a project DT like Robert Cooper after the 5th for depth.

Don't need to worry about a one gap penetrator now in the draft after day 1 of free agency. Big 2 gapper now and some DE help is where the Niners can still add to the d line unless they make some other moves.

Originally posted by m_brockalexander:
Don't need to worry about a one gap penetrator now in the draft after day 1 of free agency. Big 2 gapper now and some DE help is where the Niners can still add to the d line unless they make some other moves.

Pretty much this. The fortunate thing is they don't have to go for a big DT/NT until the 5th at the earliest. Thinking they can get a DE in the third or 5th for pure pass rushing purposes. I'd add another edge player that is more of a 3-down player however.