49ers finally make a move many have been waiting for
The San Francisco 49ers don't shy away when it comes to their perceived priority of always stacking the defensive line with as much talent as possible. That's why it was strange that, up until Wednesday, they'd yet to schedule a top-30 visit with a defensive line prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. Former Louisville Cardinal […]
The San Francisco 49ers don't shy away when it comes to their perceived priority of always stacking the defensive line with as much talent as possible.
That's why it was strange that, up until Wednesday, they'd yet to schedule a top-30 visit with a defensive line prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. Former Louisville Cardinal YaYa Diaby finally broke the 2023 mold after The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler reported Diaby's scheduled visit.
"I mean, our goal since we got here is to always build the d-line and for that to be the strength," 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan recently said at the NFL's Annual Meetings. "… Our goal, always, is to make our d-line as good as it can and that's why we targeted Javon Hargrave right away and we feel very fortunate to get him."
Sure, the 49ers still have three weeks until the first round begins, but at the same time, top-30 visits officially started back on March 7. So, it's interesting to note the 49ers' delay in speaking with defensive line prospects and based of the losses of Charles Omenihu and Samson Ekubam, it'd be wise to get a move on things. In all, the 49ers have spoken with approximately six defensive line prospects, including Diaby's visit, since the end of the 2022 season.
Regardless, Diaby represents an eventual and potential Omenihu replacement at 6-foot-3, 263-pounds. He is primed for a role as a base defensive end in a 4-3 defense and his elite athleticism will help him bend that edge and get around NFL tackles. It's very likely he'll be there when the 49ers make their first pick at No. 99.
This is what NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote about Diaby:
Diaby plays with strong hands and clear eyes at the point of attack. He can strike and separate as a two-gapping five-technique or pursue and tackle as a 4-3 base end. He’s a power rusher lacking an instinctive approach to beat better NFL tackles, but his lateral quickness and short-area burst make Diaby perfect for a twisting/gaming front. His frame and skill set could attract attention as an odd- or even-front end with his ceiling being defined by how much he’s able to improve his creativity as a rusher. – NFL.com's Lance Zierlein
Expect the 49ers to start meeting with more defensive line prospects to their top-30 visits in the coming days and weeks.
