
Pens' Crosby: 'Urgency is heightened' down 0-2
Crosby emphasizes urgency for Penguins as they face 0-2 deficit against Flyers.
49ers GM John Lynch emphasizes the importance of pressuring quarterbacks as a key strategy in the NFL. He acknowledges past struggles with pass rush and hints at potential trades in the upcoming draft to strengthen the team's defensive line.
The more good players you can add up front. Weâve always talked about, making life on opposing offenses, on opposing quarterbacks, you want them to have to perform under duress. Itâs the great equalizer in todayâs football. So much set up for the offense to have success. Can you put that quarterback under duress? Can you hit that quarterback? Can you pressure that quarterback? One reason some oppose  in the first round is the Ninersâ inability to pressure the quarterback last season. If youâre listing what held the team back last season, the pass rush, or lack thereof, comfortably clears any perceived shoddy line play. Lynch acknowledged those struggles: âWe fell short of that last year. Are there some reasons? Absolutely. [DL] Nick Bosa was hurt, Mykel got hurt halfway through. But, I think we need to get better in that spot. We need to get these guys back healthy, and then we need to improve there. Really excited about free agency. Adding [DL] Osa [Odighizuwa], I just asked Corry, help me with the pronunciation, adding Osa, I think he can really be an impact player. We really believe that heâs going to impact who we are in all facets of the game. Having [DL] Keion [White] now another year with some more experience with who we are, but absolutely youâre always trying to add there, and weâll be open to that.â isnât going to prevent the 49ers from adding a pass rusher after his 1.5 sacks last season. There were bright spots, like Whiteâs pressure rate when aligned as a defensive tackle. Thatâs also where Kyle Shanahan said the plan was for to play on obvious passing downs. Everybody canât kick inside, leaving the door open for an edge rusher. One of the reasons the 49ers might âseriously considerâ trading down from No. 27 overall is that the edge rushers in that range are projected second-rounders. Clemsonâs T.J. Parker is the only player listed on the consensus big board in the 20s. Heâs at 29. Cashius Howell, Zion Young, and Malachi Lawrenceâthe flavor of the week at 27â are all listed in the 30s. Of course, it takes two to tango. The 49ers would need to find somebody else willing to move up. They could also stay put and ensure they have a fifth-year option on the prospect they select.
John Lynch stated that pressuring quarterbacks is the 'great equalizer' in today's football, crucial for defensive success.
The 49ers may trade down because the edge rushers projected in that range are mostly second-round talents, making a trade appealing.
The 49ers struggled with their pass rush last season, primarily due to injuries to key players like Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams.
The 49ers are looking to add impactful players like Osa Odighizuwa and may consider drafting edge rushers to enhance their defensive line.

Crosby emphasizes urgency for Penguins as they face 0-2 deficit against Flyers.

Atlanta Falcons may trade Kyle Pitts to regain a first-round pick.
Can Jack Kelly become the next standout BYU linebacker in the NFL?
76ers rookie V.J. Edgecombe impresses with 30 points in playoff win

Georgia Bulldogs trending for elite 4-star safety Jarrell Chandler after visit
Red Sox's 2026 season starts with a 4-0 loss to Yankees, echoing last year's defeat.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.