Defensive players the San Francisco 49ers should be watching closely at the Senior Bowl: Freakish athletes a huge attraction
The San Francisco 49ers went back to the future with their defensive coordinator hire this offseason, bringing back Robert Saleh for a second spell in the role, but they will undoubtedly need some fresh blood on that side of the ball to turn things around after a hugely disappointing 2024. With Saleh back in the […]
The San Francisco 49ers went back to the future with their defensive coordinator hire this offseason, bringing back Robert Saleh for a second spell in the role, but they will undoubtedly need some fresh blood on that side of the ball to turn things around after a hugely disappointing 2024.
With Saleh back in the mix to coach a defense that struggled significantly against the run and provided scant support for Nick Bosa from a pass-rushing perspective, expect the Niners to emphasize adding to the defensive front this offseason.
And there will be a host of defensive line prospects who figure to be on their radar at this week's Senior Bowl practices.
Here we look at five defensive prospects who they should be watching closely in Mobile, AL.
DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
Defensive tackle stands as the biggest need on the roster for the 49ers, who are set to release Javon Hargrave with a post-June 1 designation when the new league year starts.
As such they will have a close eye on the players at that position this week, including the explosive Nolen, who is coming off the best year of his career after recording 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss.
A to Z Sports' Ian Valentino wrote of Nolen:
"There's not a more talented athlete than Walter Nolen at the position in this class, including Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant.
"The issue with Nolen, for teams, is the character concerns. He has a big personality with supreme arrogance, which must be managed.
"If Nolen loves football and works hard, he can be an All-Pro talent. But that's something he has to prove, and this week will only do so much to help him because his reputation is that bad. Still, dominating on the field and winning evaluators off the field in interviews is a must.
"If he fails, Nolen's stock will plummet in coming mocks."
The 49ers' representatives in Mobile may look to spend time in the interview room with Nolen in Mobile and at the NFL Scouting Combine to ascertain if he is a good fit for their locker room. If they are happy with what they learn, Nolen could be in play as a first or second-round pick.
EDGE Mike Green, Marshall
The sack leader in the FBS in 2024 with 17, Green has already put to bed some doubts about his size by weighing in at 251 pounds.
Drake Jackson is the heaviest edge defender on the 49ers' roster at 273 pounds, so Green's weight can be crossed off as a potential concern.
Now the challenge for him will be to dominate against some of the best offensive linemen in the country after an outstanding season against Sun Belt competition.
As part of the National Team, Green will be coached by 49ers defensive quality control coach K.J. Wright, who is working with the edge rushers for that squad.
Should he demonstrate the explosiveness and varied pass rush skillset that is evident on his collegiate tape, Green could well surge up boards and potentially put himself in the conversation to be the long-term starter across from Nick Bosa for the 49ers.
EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
From a physical perspective, there's a lot to tike about Stewart, described by Valentino as "a mountainous ball of clay" at 281 pounds. He's extremely explosive for a man of that size, consistently displaying true knockback power as a bull rusher.
In other words, he's a dream for 49ers defensive line coach Kris Kocurek.
But, as Valentino explains, there's a problem.
"Stewart is quick and athletic for being 290 pounds, so every team could use a body like his. But he'll disappear for stretches of play and be out of position against the run too often. There are layers as to why that happens, but if Stewart is coachable, he can become a top-50 pick. Teams know he can penetrate the pocket, but he misses tackles too often, and his run defense goes hot and cold."
A 49ers team that was awful against the run in 2024 can't afford to spend premium picks on players who are going to be liabilities in that department.
Stewart needs to show he can be an asset against the run. Doing so will help his own chances of going in the top 50 and keep him as an option for the 49ers, who would love to add a player of his body type on the edge.
CB Quincy Riley, Louisville
While the emphasis for the 49ers on defense this offseason may be on the trenches, there's reason to believe they will look to add in the secondary as well.
Deommodore Lenoir is established as a long-term starter for the Niners, while last year's second-round pick Renardo Green looks set to join him after a hugely promising rookie year.
But, with Charvarius Ward appearing primed to depart in free agency, the 49ers may look to add a corner who can play outside on nickel downs when Lenoir plays the slot.
Riley has shown himself to be an impressive cover corner with top-tier ball skills, He finished his college career with eight interceptions, five of which came over the course of the last two seasons, with one returned for a touchdown.
On top of that, Riley registered 25 pass breakups across his final two seasons at collegiate level. The front of the defense may be more pressing, but a strong week from Riley in Mobile could increase the temptation to spend another high pick on a corner.
Florida State CB Azareye'h Thomas
After hitting a home run with the selection of Green out of Florida State last year, there's a case for the Niners taking another Seminole corner in the form of Thomas.
Thomas doesn't have the on-ball production of Riley, registering just two interceptions in college, but he did have 10 pass breakups in 2023.
Explaining his skill set, A to Z Sports' Tyler Forness wrote of Thomas:
"If you want a press-man cornerback, Thomas is going to be your guy. He is physical and aggressive in nearly every way along with the ball skills to attack it in the air. Thomas hasn't gotten consistent first round love, but he soon will."
Green's coverage skills stood out his impressive first season with the 49ers. If Thomas can stand out with his man coverage ability in the drills during the week of practice, it would help his cause and perhaps make San Francisco consider reuniting him with his former teammate.
Offensive players the San Francisco 49ers should be watching closely at the Senior Bowl: Linemen the headline act in Mobile
There will be much focus on the trenches.
