The 49ers’ case for and against taking a defensive end in the 1st round

With Huff’s retirement, the 49ers don’t even have a complete pass rush unit. On any given pass-rush situation, San Francisco is left with Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, and Odighizuwa on the front line. Yes, Keion White and Sam Okuayinonu are still on the roster, but you feel more comfortable with either as rotational pieces instead of featured rushers.

The case against drafting a defensive end

As with the offensive line prospects, there might not be a whole lot available by the time the 49ers are on the clock (unless they make a relatively large jump in the order).

Arvell Reese, David Bailey, and Rueben Bain Jr. sit atop this draft class, and all will be long gone by the time the 49ers’ selection comes up at 27. Potential names for San Francisco include Keldric Faulk, Akheem Mesidor, and T.J. Parker. Faulk reads like another Mykel Williams, where he’s better against the run with some traits in the pass rush, so there’s a potential fit there. Parker also shows some of the same traits. Mesidor’s pass-rush ability could see him taken before the 49ers are on the clock, but injury concerns could see him fall.

An intriguing option if the 49ers want to reach for an option that would fit exactly what they need could be Malachi Lawrence out of UCF. A bit older of a prospect, Lawrence comes ready as a pass-rusher, which could prove to be more valuable to how San Francisco is currently constructed compared to a Faulk or a Parker. The 49ers could reach a bit to snag Lawrence in the first round, or maybe even trade back into the early second and risk Lawrence’s availability, but add to their six selections throughout the weekend.

The 49ers’ most pressing need is on the defensive end, but will the quality be there for a selection at pick No. 27?