Niners' Draft: Speed Rushers for Pass Rush

0:00The San Francisco 49ers are eyeing edge rushers for their 27th pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Top prospects like David Bailey, Ruben Bain, Keldrick Falk, and a keen messador figured to go way earlier. That leaves next tier guys, like Zion Young, Cassius Howell, Armason Thomas, Malachai Lawrence, and TJ Parker as real options to boost their pass rush. They already packed power up front, so they're hunting speed to fill the Bryce Huff Void. Zion Young from Missouri brings long arms and run-stopping force, perfect for early downs. But he's more of the same heavy style they have plenty of, lacking that quick twitch to terrorize quarterbacks. Cassius Howell out of Texas A&M flips the script with pure speed off the edge. Problem is, his shorter arms, and if he burst, make him a risky reach at 27, even if his style matches with a crave. Meanwhile, Armason Thomas from Oklahoma offers explosion and grit, though Mox have him around pick 46, maybe sliding into round two.

1:03Malachai Lawrence from UCF stands out for raw athleticism and upside against the run, giving him every down potential over some others. TJ Parker from Clemson tops a lot of boards here, blending solid run defense with pass rush growth to slide right into the rotation. These picks could reshape the Niners' front if they nail the fit, keeping that championship edge sharp heading into the draft cycle. This has been California News Today, powered by AI.