San Francisco 49ers Eye Edge Rusher Prospects in 2026 NFL Draft

Five potential fits to replace outgoing pass rusher Bryce Huff

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:03pm by

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements of a 49ers edge rusher, with sharp planes of red, gold, and black capturing the raw energy of the pass rush.A cubist interpretation of a 49ers edge rusher's explosive pursuit of the quarterback.San Francisco Today

The San Francisco 49ers will need to address their edge rusher position in the 2026 NFL Draft, with the departure of Bryce Huff. While the 49ers typically prefer bigger, run-defending edge rushers, Huff brought more speed and pass-rushing ability. The team is now evaluating five potential prospects to fill this role, each with their own unique strengths and fit within the 49ers' defensive scheme.

Why it matters

The 49ers' pass rush is a critical component of their defensive success, and finding the right edge rusher to replace Huff will be crucial. The team has had success developing edge rushers in the past, and will look to continue that trend in the upcoming draft.

The details

The five edge rusher prospects the 49ers are considering are Thomas, Dennis-Sutton, Barham, Josephs, and Height. Thomas is seen as the best overall fit, with his combination of speed, pass-rushing ability, and solid run defense. Dennis-Sutton has high upside as a pass rusher but needs to improve his finishing ability. Barham is a former off-ball linebacker who fits the mold of what defensive coordinator Raheem Morris looks for. Josephs is a physical specimen who could contribute as a rotational piece, while Height is a smaller, speed-based rusher.

  • The 49ers will need to address their edge rusher position in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Bryce Huff

A former edge rusher for the San Francisco 49ers who provided more speed and pass-rushing ability than the team's typical edge defenders.

Thomas

A top edge rusher prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, known for his high-motor play and well-rounded skill set.

Dennis-Sutton

A highly athletic edge rusher prospect with a lot of pass-rushing potential, but needs to improve his finishing ability.

Barham

A former off-ball linebacker prospect who is likely to transition to edge rusher, fitting the mold of what defensive coordinator Raheem Morris looks for.

Josephs

A physically gifted edge rusher prospect who could contribute as a rotational piece early in his NFL career.

Height

A smaller, speed-based edge rusher prospect who the 49ers have shown interest in during the pre-draft process.

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What they’re saying

“Thomas might be the best fit for the 49ers at edge rusher. He plays with his hair on fire, and while he is lighter, he does enough in the run game to be respected.”

— Parker Hurley, Author

“Dennis-Sutton has everything you want in a high upside pass rusher. He has a lot of rush moves; he is fast, long-limbed, and explosive.”

— Parker Hurley, Author

“Barham is exactly what Raheem Morris wants. Some have compared him to a lesser version of Jalon Walker, whom the Falcons took in round 1 under Morris.”

— Parker Hurley, Author

What’s next

The 49ers will continue to evaluate these edge rusher prospects leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, with the goal of finding the right fit to replace Bryce Huff and bolster their pass rush.

The takeaway

The 49ers' search for a new edge rusher highlights the importance of continually replenishing talent on the defensive line, especially for a team that relies heavily on its pass rush. The team will need to balance finding a player who fits their typical mold while also addressing the specific needs left by Huff's departure.