Pass rush targets for the 49ers
By: Jake Rajala
The San Francisco 49ers lost former DPOY Nick Bosa, but that doesn’t mean it’s over for the pass rush on the 49ers defense. Not only do they have quality pass rushers currently on the roster, but they can certainly acquire pass rushers. With that said, I’m going to lay out five pass rush targets for the 49ers.
Chase Young
Chase Young was a fine addition to the 49ers defense in their recent trip to the Super Bowl. Young is also on a team that is in line to have a Top-5 pick. Hence, they are going in the opposite direction of the 49ers. There has been plenty of rumors about the Saints trading key players, given that they are a bottom level squad. They could still have Carl Granderson and Cameron Jordan if they decide to move Young.
Trey Hendrickson
The All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson has a respectable 4 sacks so far this season. When he doesn’t get a sack, he often gets pressure on the QB. He has an 87 PFF grade, but he rises to the scene in tight match-ups. Expect him to shine against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Aaron Rodgers on TNF. The impressive part is that Hendrickson has thrived on a dreadful defense. He should only play better if he gets traded.
Bradley Chubb
The Miami Dolphins pass rusher, Bradley Chubb, is yet another pass rusher to shine on a horrid team. Chubb has an impressive combination of speed and strength. He has four sacks on the season. He could do better against the run, but he can still excel at hunting AFC West QBs, such as Patrick Mahomes. If we see the Phins ship away Tyreek Hill, we shouldn’t be surprised if Chubb gets traded elsewhere, as well.
Quinnen Williams
Quinnen Williams can eat up double teams and bring pressure when one blocker is in his face. Of course, Quinnen sits on a team that hasn’t won a game yet. He had six sacks last season. He is still 27 years old, so he has the world in his hands. He isn’t Aaron Donald, but he could be one of the best IDL in the NFC West.
Harold Landry
Harold Landry is quite explosive, as he reminds me a lot of Von Miller. He already has 4.5 sacks, six TFLs, and 11 QB hits this season. I believe he’s the second-best option on this list. It woldn’t be easy to acquire him, but the Pats may dislike his age (29) and like their depth already, so a trade could come to fruition. If the Packers can acquire Micah Parsons, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Bosa-less 49ers reel in a top-shelf pass rusher.
The 49ers season isn’t over if they fail to bring in a quality pass rusher. It would just make their life less miserable, especially against the Rams. If they opt to acquire a pass rusher, I believe a face from this list makes a ton of sense.
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