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49ers Shift to Draft With Pass Rush Still Their Biggest Need

A league-worst 20 sacks in 2025, ACL recoveries for Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, plus Bryce Huff’s retirement leave the edge room thin.

Overview

  • San Francisco’s first-wave additions included WRs Mike Evans and Christian Kirk plus a trade for DT Osa Odighizuwa, with depth added at tackle, linebacker, cornerback and special teams.
  • Analysts highlight EDGE as the clear remaining hole despite the interior DL upgrade, with ESPN’s Nick Wagoner pointing to the thin depth behind injured returnees.
  • Round 1 attention is tilting toward an edge rusher, with a beat-writer mock linking Miami’s Akheem Mesidor at No. 27 as the kind of plug-and-play pass rusher the team seeks.
  • Interior offensive-line depth remains a concern after Spencer Burford and Matt Hennessy departed, while the two-year signing of Vederian Lowe offers swing-tackle insurance rather than a long-term successor for Trent Williams.
  • Perception has improved following the early moves, including a jump to No. 11 in one post-free agency power ranking, as praise from Mina Kimes underscores Odighizuwa’s pass-rush impact alongside a healthier front.