As an edge rusher, he’s extremely fast and explosive. And he’s a natural leader.
Since Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch joined the 49ers in 2017, they’ve drafted one good pass rusher: Nick Bosa. And he was the second pick in 2019.
Every time the 49ers have drafted a pass-rusher after Round 1, that player has failed. Think Drake Jackson and Robert Beal Jr. The 49ers unsuccessfully have tried to find diamonds in the rough. And now they desperately need another pass rusher to complement Nick Bosa. So you can bet the 49ers will draft that player in Round 1.
The same year the 49ers drafted Bosa, they traded a second-round pick for Dee Ford, who was a converted 3-4 outside linebacker with the quickest first step of any NFL edge rusher at the time. The 49ers defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh, coveted that skill set opposite Bosa, and I assume he still does.
That’s why I expect the 49ers to draft a speed rusher with the 11th pick this year. Someone similar to Ford when he was young.
Marshall’s Mike Green fits the mold athletically, but he has two troubling accusations in his past that could compel the 49ers to look elsewhere.
Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. also fits the bill, but there have been reports of character concerns with him as well.
Which means Georgia’s Jalon Walker could be the top player on the 49ers’ wish list. As an edge rusher, he’s extremely fast and explosive. And he’s a natural leader. He seems like the kind of person that Saleh in particular will love.
Don’t be surprised if the 49ers trade up a few spots for Walker if they feel they have to.