Twenty sacks. That's the total number of times the San Francisco 49ers brought down opposing quarterbacks in 2025. And that was good for last in the NFL.
Granted, the 49ers played most of the season without star edge rusher Nick Bosa. But even with Bosa, this unit wasn't going to look like the 1985 Chicago Bears. So, new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris needs more help getting after the quarterback. Fortunately, the opportunity to improve in this area is right around the corner.
Casino Guru recently caught up with NFL insider Jason La Canfora to discuss his thoughts on the NFL draft, which begins with round one this coming Thursday evening, April 23. La Canfora had some things to say about the 49ers and what they may do in next week's draft. But he also had some opinions on the situation with Future Hall of Fame tackle Trent Williams.
"They are trying to resolve a lingering contract impasse with future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams, and if that's not put to bed before the start of the draft, rest assured calls are coming," La Canfora said. "The Chiefs have been watching very closely all along, league sources said."
This isn't really news to 49ers fans. Most understand that the team has been trying to agree on a new contract with Williams. We will find out on Thursday or Friday how that impacts their draft. If no agreement is reached before the 49ers pick at number 27, could the 49ers select an offensive tackle?
La Canfora also had some thoughts on WR Brandon Aiyuk and the curious situation there. "The 49ers seem to prefer stringing out Brandon Aiyuk into the summer before letting him go, with him at odds with the franchise," La Canfora said. "Maybe something picks up there, though we kinda doubt it."
Again, this isn't anything new. No one seems to know what the 49ers are doing with Aiyuk, but those close to the team insist they believe they can get something for him. Even if it's only a seventh-round pick in next year's draft, at least it's something.
Still, plenty of critics believe the 49ers are being petty and that there has been no interest from teams looking to trade for Aiyuk.
Perhaps the most interesting of La Canfora's thoughts regarding the 49ers is his belief that they might trade up in the draft to address their pass rush. La Canfora added, "With recent drafts not very fruitful, the 49ers could be poised to move up a few spots to try to address an anemic pass rush."
It seems doubtful the 49ers would trade up in this draft. They currently have only six picks. And if they are planning to draft a pass rusher, there should be some good ones at pick 27. There's plenty of depth at edge rusher in the 2026 draft, so the 49ers may even find a difference-maker in the second round.
Perhaps La Canfora believes San Francisco may target an interior pass rusher. It's possible, but the addition of Osa Odighizuwa makes it less likely. Outside pass rusher is the greater need of the two.
If the 49ers trade up or down during the draft, it will more likely be a trade down to acquire more picks. Unless, of course, they decide to trade away one of their own players.
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