49ers Draft Capsule: Defensive Tackles

The Niners search for a run stuffer likely begins in the fifth round.

The 49ers have been looking for a run stuffer since the departure of D.J. Jones. Free agent signing Javon Hargrave is one of the league’s top pass rushers but a liability in run defense. The Niners search for a run stuffer likely begins in the fifth round.

Tier 1: 1st-2nd Round
Top 5 Jalen Carter (Georgia) 6-3/323
Late 1^st-Early 2^nd Bryan Bresee (Clemson) 6-5/298
Late 1^st-Early 2^nd Calijah Kancey (Pittsburgh) 6-1/281
Late 1^st-Early 2^nd Mazi Smith (Michigan) 6-3/323
Late 1^st-Early 2^nd Adetomiwa Adebawore (Northwestern) 6-2/282
Mid 2^nd Keeanu Benton (Wisconsin) 6-4/309

Tier 2: 2nd-4th Round
Early-to-Mid 3^rd Karl Brooks (Bowling Green) 6-3/296
Early-to-Mid 3^rd Siaki Ika (Baylor) 6-3/335
Late 3^rd-Early 4^th Moro Ojomo (Texas) 6-3/292
Early-to-Mid 4^th Gervon Dexter Sr. (Florida) 6-6/318
Mid 4^th Kobie Turner (Wake Forest) 6-2/293
Mid 4^th Colby Wooden (Auburn) 6-4/278
Mid-to-Late 4^th Jaquelin Roy (LSU) 6-3/297
Mid-to-Late 4^th Zacch Pickens (South Carolina) 6-4/298
Late 4th-Early 5^th Keondre Coburn (Texas) 6-2/332
Late 4th-Early 5^th Byron Young (Alabama) 6-3/294

If the Niners trade into the 4^th round they can look at Tier 2 tackles. Dexter’s violent hands and length set up his game, but his height hurts his leverage. The “other” Byron Young at Alabama has violent hands and is a natural run stuffer with a powerful anchor, but he’s not a pass rushing threat.

Tier 3: 5th-7th Round
If the Niners draft a defensive tackle it’s likely to come from the Tier 3 group.

5th Jalen Redmond (Oklahoma) 6-2/291 - He tested well with 4.81 speed and good jump numbers. Redmond excels at get off and anticipating the snap count, a trait valued by Niners defensive line coach Kris Kocurek. Redmond will need to add power (27 bench reps) and lower body mass to anchor well.

6th Desjuan Johnson (Toledo) 6-2/285 – 6-2 with short arms but he leads the class in stops, tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage, with 39. Eight sacks and 44 pressures. Have to factor in competition but it’s clear that Johnson produces and competes, that’s worth a look in the 6^th round.

6th Scott Matlock (Boise St) 6-4/308 - A proven run stuffer. 4.81 40.

7th Dante Stills (West Virginia) 6-4/293 – Among the national leaders at getting into the backfield quickly but he has trouble closing, 18% missed tackle rate. Fix that and he’s a valuable player. 4.85 speed.

7th Devonsha Maxwell (Chattanooga) 6-1/299 – Short but he produces, 23 sacks and 67 pressures in two years.

Prediction
The Niners have met with defensive tackle candidates that are projected for late picks. They may not draft one, but have done the research. I think if it happens it’s in the 6th or 7th round. Among those, Stills and Matlock have the athleticism to succeed at the next level, and Johnson is also worth a look given his production.