T
he NFL Draft is right around the corner. On Thursday, April 23, all 32 teams will gather in Pittsburgh, where they will players to add to their recipe for success among the league’s newest crop of rookies. For some teams, this year’s draft is about finding those guys that can reverse their fortunes and put them back into the national spotlight. For other teams, like the San Francisco 49ers, it is about going from a playoff contender to a true Super Bowl contender.
The 49ers enter the draft with a lot of work to do, needing to fill voids at multiple positions. But only holding six picks in this year’s draft, the 49ers need to be extra careful and make sure that they aren’t wasting their precious picks on just anyone. The 49ers could go in several directions with their No. 27 overall pick, but according to 49ers’ insider Matt Maiocco, the no-brainer choice is selecting an edge rusher– specifically UCF’s Malachi Lawrence.
Maiocco Predicts the 49ers to Select Lawrence
Before agreeing to a new contract with Trent Williams on Monday, April 20, left tackle/offensive line was the team’s most pressing need. But now that business is taken care with Williams, the 49ers can turn their attention to other needs– such as guard and edge rusher, two positions the 49ers struggled at last season. Maiocco likes Lawrence mainly because of how his style of play and skillset fits within the 49ers’ defensive scheme.
“Defensive line coach Kris Kocurek values quickness at the snap of the ball. And that is exactly what Lawrence brings to the table,” Maiocco said. “Lawrence is a true edge with tremendous upside to play opposite of Nick Bosa in passing situations.”
And from the looks of it, edge rusher is a position that the 49ers are doing extensive homework on. Speaking with the media ahead of the draft, general manager John Lynch spoke about the importance of having a strong pass rush.
“It’s the great equalizer in today’s football,” Lynch said. “So much is set up for the offense to have success. Can you put that quarterback under duress? Can you hit that quarterback? Can you pressure that quarterback? We fell short of that last year.”
Lawrence’s Traits
Last year, the 49ers selected edge rusher Mykel Williams in the first round but Lawrence is much more of a threat when it comes to getting to the quarterback. While known for his formidable running stopping capabilities and ability to move inside when needed, Williams is not one to accumulate a lot of sacks, ending his three year college career with only 14 total sacks and recording just one in his rookie NFL season before injuring his knee.
Lawrence, a member of UCF’s program for four years, ended his college career with 20 total sacks and standing at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, uses his size to his advantage and plays very physical. If the 49ers land him, the defensive line is already in a much better spot than last year.
49ers Insider Gives His Projection on Who The Team Chooses at No. 27