The Baltimore Ravens, previously ranked fourth, now trail San Francisco at the No. 3 spot.
ESPN asked its panel of NFL writers to identify each team's most improved position since the 2023 season, and Nick Wagoner highlighted defensive end for the 49ers.
"In 2023, the 49ers traded for Randy Gregory and Chase Young in an effort to finally find a complement to Nick Bosa," Wagoner wrote. "It didn't work, and ends not named Bosa managed a combined 11 sacks and 49 pressures."
The Niners addressed their inconsistent pass rush with a defensive line revamp, allowing Arik Armstead to depart while bolstering the edges of their defensive front.
Wagoner continued, "San Francisco made addressing that a priority in free agency, signing veteran Leonard Floyd (who has had at least nine sacks in each of the past four seasons) and promising youngster Yetur Gross-Matos, whom the Niners envision playing multiple spots on the line."
San Francisco is hopeful that their offseason spending will position them for another Super Bowl run. While the team focused on the defensive side of the ball in free agency, the draft brought in two wide receivers, including first-round pick Ricky Pearsall, a speedy running back in Isaac Guerendo, and two offensive linemen.
Fans will discover the dates and times for the 49ers' 17-game schedule when the full NFL schedule is released on Wednesday night.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers add defensive line help in latest ESPN mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers face several areas for improvement following a disappointing 6-11 season. While injuries significantly impacted their 2024 campaign, they also exposed depth issues the team struggled to overcome. The 49ers can address these challenges through free... -
ESPN: 49ers favored to reunite with Robert Saleh
Robert Saleh is a hot name in this year's head coach hiring searches. The former New York Jets head coach and ex-San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator is scheduled to interview for the Jacksonville Jaguars' head coach vacancy. However, the 49ers could be a potential... -
ESPN's coaching predictions forecast good news for Shanahan, 49ers
Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is actively pursuing new opportunities, interviewing for two head coaching vacancies this week. On Tuesday, he completed his interview with the Jacksonville Jaguars and is scheduled to meet with the Las Vegas Raiders on... -
CBS Sports mock draft has 49ers adding pass rush help
Mock draft season is officially underway, at least for the NFL teams that fell short of the playoffs. Unfortunately, the San Francisco 49ers are among them, finishing with a disappointing 6-11 record and landing at the bottom of the NFC West standings. The 49ers are heading...