During free agency, the 49ers made many moves to improve defensive line depth, speed, and power, and they are poised to make more in the 2024 NFL Draft.
San Francisco’s major defensive objective remains going after the quarterback, as evidenced by key signings such as Leonard Floyd, Yetur Gross-Matos, Maliek Collins, and Jordan Elliott.
Nick Bosa and Javon Hargrave are still on the roster and will play important roles in 2024, but the 49ers will be without Arik Armstead, Clelin Ferrell, Javon Kinlaw, Randy Gregory, and Chase Young, who all left in free agency. And, while the 49ers’ defense recorded 48 sacks, 122 quarterback hits, 80 tackles for loss, and 22 interceptions last season, they did not perform as well in most defensive categories as they had in previous seasons.
Kris Kocurek, the defensive line coach, will seek for improved output from younger players like Drake Jackson, whose sophomore season ended early due to injury. Kalia Davis and Robert Beal Jr. can also demonstrate their promise following poor beginnings in their respective NFL careers.
Adding youth through the draft not only adds competitiveness, but it also helps the 49ers’ future by providing a balanced mix of emerging potential.
Here are four defensive lineman the 49ers might target in the early rounds of the NFL draft with the potential to make an immediate impact.
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