San Francisco 49ers: 5 burning questions in 2018

2. Will the young pass rush finally put it together?

Inconsistency has plagued the 49er’s pass rush in recent years, and surprisingly, the team did very little to bolster the unit. Instead, they are rocking with the same youngsters, and hoping they will step up their game. In three consecutive drafts from 2015-2017 the team used their first round pick to improve the defensive line. In order, the team selected Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner, and Solomon Thomas.

Frankly, the team has yet to receive its return on investment from any of the three. To be fair, Armstead missed a majority of last season, and Thomas was just a rookie so he should improve. Buckner seems to be the most consistent of the three, but he is far from a top-tier proven pass-rusher. In an attempt to improve the defensive line, the 49ers resigned Cassius Marsh and signed Jeremiah Attaochu during free agency. Neither are game breakers, but both should provide depth and veteran leadership.

The defensive line’s struggles are evidenced by their lack of sacks in the last two seasons. In 2016 the team produced 33 sacks, and in 2017 that number dropped to 30. In both, the team ranked in the bottom half of the league in both sacks and total defense. Coincidence? I think not.

Now the blame cannot be placed solely on the defensive line, the secondary hasn’t been impressive either. Both units need to play together for the defense to excel. If the coverage doesn’t last, the defensive line won’t have ample time to create pressure. And vice versa, if the line doesn’t apply pressure, the quarterback will have all day to throw, and the secondary will get picked apart.

There is reason for optimism, the young guys will have another offseason under their belt. Thomas will surely take a step forward in year two, Armstead will return from injury, and Buckner will continue to improve into an elite-level player. Keep an eye on this unit, because they could be very good, very soon.