49ers Seek Edge Rusher in NFL Draft After League-Low Sack Total

With Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams recovering from injuries, the 49ers have a glaring need to bolster their pass rush in the upcoming draft.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:50pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a 49ers pass rush play, with sharp planes of red, gold, and white overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract representation of the team's defensive struggles.The 49ers' pass rush struggles are deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece, highlighting the need for an elite edge rusher to energize their defense.Santa Clara Today

The San Francisco 49ers are in desperate need of an edge rusher after recording a league-low 20 sacks last season. With Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams both recovering from ACL injuries, the 49ers could use their first-round pick, 27th overall, to address this critical need on defense.

Why it matters

The 49ers' inability to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks was a major factor in their defensive struggles last season. Drafting an elite edge rusher could transform their defense and help them return to the playoffs in 2026.

The details

The 49ers have struggled to develop and retain effective edge rushers beyond Nick Bosa, who was a gift in the 2019 draft. Recent draft picks like Robert Beal Jr., Drake Jackson, and Pita Taumoepenu have failed to consistently produce, leading the team to rely heavily on recycled veteran talent. With Bosa and Williams both working their way back from serious knee injuries, the 49ers have an urgent need to find an impact pass rusher in this year's draft.

  • In 2019, the 49ers drafted Nick Bosa with the 2nd overall pick.
  • In 2022, the 49ers drafted Mykel Williams in the 1st round (11th overall).
  • Last season, the 49ers recorded a league-low 20 sacks.

The players

Nick Bosa

A star defensive end for the 49ers who was the 2nd overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Mykel Williams

A defensive lineman drafted by the 49ers in the 1st round (11th overall) in 2022, who is recovering from a torn ACL.

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What they’re saying

“A pass rusher? He must race from Point A to the QB, and do it ASAP.”

— Cam Inman, Author

What’s next

The 49ers will look to address their pass rush needs in the upcoming NFL Draft, with the 27th overall pick being a critical selection.

The takeaway

The 49ers' inability to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks was a major weakness last season, and they will need to find an impact edge rusher in the draft to bolster their defense and return to the playoffs.