The re-hiring of Robert Saleh to lead the team’s defense should inject a fair amount of excitement into the fanbase and revitalize the unit at the same time.
Sep 14, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Nic Scourton (11) looks toward the sideline against the Florida Gators during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
John Lynch will be hot on the trail of free agents and young players in the draft to improve both sides of the ball to mesh with an already talented roster.
The 49ers have the No. 11 overall pick and by using its Mock Draft Simulator, Pro Football Network thinks San Francisco goes defense with their first overall pick in April and selects Texas A&M Aggies edge rusher Nic Scourton.
Nic Scourton isn’t perfect, but nobody else in this class possesses his blend of technical prowess, bend, size, and power. He’s playing too heavy right now, but losing the unnecessary weight he’s currently carrying on his frame should only make him more dangerous as an arc rusher.
Scourton’s pass-rush plan is artwork, and the suddenness and fluidity he already plays with at 280 is terrifying. He’ll be one of the youngest players in the class while already possessing nuance far beyond his years.
Scourton’s naturally thick lower half makes him a sturdy edge setter, and there’s a chance he’ll continue growing into his frame while building a more consistent power element to his game.
Scourton isn’t perfect, as PFN states, but he’s also not a project. The Aggie could fit in perfectly in a defensive end rotation to start before possibly settling in later as an every-down pass rusher.
Scourton spent two seasons at Purdue before joining the Aggies last season. Across three collegiate seasons, he’s totaled 109 tackles with 75 solo and 31 for loss. He’s added 17 sacks and three forced fumbles across 37 games.
