At a glance: Defensive end Nick Bosa's arrival should worry NFC West quarterbacks, especially put alongside 2018 break out star Dee Ford. If the 49ers' pass rush can finally get going after years of first round pick investment, the team could have one of the NFL's most formidable defenses. The problem becomes a weak secondary unit that didn't see much investment after a terrible 2018.
With former third overall pick Solomon Thomas reportedly on the trade block -despite showing some consistency after being moved inside the defensive line last year - the 49ers were able to fill his pass rushing role with the rare talent of defensive end Nick Bosa. Bosa should wreak havoc opposite the recently acquired Dee Ford, forming a formidable tandem that will challenge a couple of mobile quarterbacks in the NFC West. Despite a bunch of first round picks on the front four in recent draft, San Francisco was eighth last in sacks last year. That should change this year.
San Francisco's offense could catapult itself to one of the best in the league if the pass rush works out but a worrying secondary might hold it back. Apart from signing cornerback Jason Verrett - who has played just five games since going to the Pro Bowl in 2015 - the team looked like it was going to move forward with the same defensive backs that recorded an astonishingly low two interceptions last season. That the team took a punter in the middle rounds and took a cornerback with its last pick shows just how much emphasis the staff has on the secondary.
After writing about the 49ers imaginary wide receiver depth before the draft, the team grabbed two play-makers on Day 2. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel had more yards after the catch than anyone in the SEC last year because of his running back-like ability to break tackles. Third rounder Jalen Hurd played a bit of running back in college so possesses similar traits to Samuel, but his 6'5" frame suggests he'll be the big middle of the field target the 49ers lacked amongst all its speed guys, Hurd should compliment tight end George Kittle well.
DRAFT PICKS (per ESPN)
1.02 Nick Bosa DE
2.04 Deebo Samuel WR
3.03 Jalen Hurd WR
4.08 Mitch Wishnowsky P
5.10 Dre Greenlaw OLB
6.03 Kaden Smith TE
6.10 Justin Skule OT
6.25 Tim Harris CB
ORIGINAL COVER PHOTO: Washington Post
