1a Jihaad Campbell
49ers need to replace the steady and explosive play breaking ability, The 9'ers lost with Dre Greenlaw .Jihaad Campbell could be that player. Campbell seems like a player that could impact the game from different positions (all with the same positive impact ! for the defense) Jihaad Campbell versatility is what makes him a 3 down player.He is really good in coverage he has "Good read and reaction to challenge passing lanes", His edge rushing abilities is one of his best tools in his "tool box" People forget he was recruited as a edge rusher but because of Alabama depth there he was converted to LB.As far as playing LB (He can play all 3 position's just as well) and is just as effective blitzing the QB from any Linebacking position actually In fact J.Campbell ranks higher than D.Greenlaw when he was drafted in many categories ex.Jihaad Campbell (NFL stats) Has a 78 Production score compared to D.Greenlaw 58 when he was drafted.J.Campbell also has a higher Athleticism Scoreof 82.Compared to Greenlaws score of 66. Jihaad Campbell overall Score of 82 is much higher than Dre's score of 66."No disrespect to Greenlaw.We are grateful for what he did here.But we need to replace his production, and I believe J.Campbell could ,And not only replace Greenlaw's play ,But will bring more versatility to the Defense and bring his own unique level of
PLAY MAKING Skills.
J Campbell looks more like a "Safe Bet" (if there is one) or as close as one, For a team needing both a Linebacker and or Edge Rusher (He has the making of a real good Defensive Player! or more! Would not be surprised if Campbell becomes an "ALL PRO" during his NFL Career with the team that Drafts him.
Hope its SF.
Jihaad Campbell 2024: First-team All-SEC. Led team with 117 tackles, 11.5 TFLs, 5 sacks. Tied for the team lead with 2 FFs. Started all 13 games (INT, 2 PBUs)
If SF rather Pick a Defensive Tackle
1b Walter Nolen
Would make a Ton of sense for SF to draft him with pick 11 He checks the boxes, with what the 9'ers need which is Defensive Tackles or Edge Rusher's or Linebacker. SF Need's to get the "BPA" of either Position's. Walter Nolen is ranked as the second-best Rush leading Def. Tackle in this year draft. Nolen is a (Rare Breed) of Defensive Tackle's that can legitimately Rush the QB "constantly" When you can attack the Qb from the middle ,And collapse the pocket ,"Which should end that play and (Possibly) causing a "Turnover "( When the middle of the offensive line collapses in football, the chance of a turnover increases significantly, especially if it leads to a sack and a fumble or a forced interception). This is because a collapsed center or guards exposes the quarterback, making them vulnerable to pressure and errors. It will most likely disrupt the run game as much as the pass game "We all know this"
So if SF Wants to go basic here (Trenches) nothing wrong with that. Nolen at 11.He would automatically make 49'ers Defense that much more improved from last season.
Or Trade Back in 1st
1b Kenneth Grant
This could be one of SF trade back options in the first to maybe move 6 spots or so,back and (Seen some real legit mocks having Grant going around 17th in the first But more or likely a mid to late 1st ) This would be a real good scenario for SF to trade back draft Kenneth Grant which
would not be a reach from 15th pick.
Kenneth Grant brings what very few Def. Tackles along with Walter Nolen that can bring the Pressure up the middle and Rush The QB that can have the devastating effect on opposing offensiveness. Actually Kenneth Grant is known for his Bull Rush but has developed other moves as well. Grant's long arm's is another side to his game in 2024 he had 5 PBU'S and 6 PBU'S in 2023 he holds Michigan all time record for PBU's. .He can offer SF another option as a "Gap eater that can plug up the middle ,But offering the rare Pressure from a nose tackle position ,btw he can play in multiple spots in odd or even fronts. Another advantage Grants brings is what SF really needs is ...Grant ability to
constantly absorb and split double teams. Kenneth Grant plays with a
passion for winning that mostly is seen in very special players which is not giving up on a play ie against Penn State, he chased down running back Kaytron Allen from behind – a play that perfectly encapsulated his rare blend of mass and mobility.he ran 40 yds to tackle him. this shows speed and Passion all in one.
Another Strong part of Kenneth Grant game that he brings is
- Special teams value as interior rusher on field goal block unit - he blocked multiple kicks in high school showing natural timing
The good part of getting Kenneth Grant by moving back 6 or 8 spots in the 1st is we get our much needed Defensive Tackle and the rare Bull rushing 2 gap Eating Player with long arms to bat down passes at a above rate and still help our Special Teams (which we could use for sure and still get an extra 3 or 4th round pick.This look's like a good Deal for SF! if they want to address the D-Line with a good Player with rare ability and still add to SF picks !
.
[ Edited by Makit78 on Apr 16, 2025 at 5:38 PM ]
Toss in Breida and his 813 yards rushing (until he got hurt) and Mason's 780 yards (until he got hurt). It's almost like they shouldn't ever draft a RB and just bring in a ton of UDFAs…instead of wasting picks on a position that we go through like water.
