Yetur Gross-Matos also missed time, and the unit as a whole finished with just 20 sacks—the fewest in the league. The next-lowest total was recorded by the New York Jets, who posted 26.
Given those issues, it would come as little surprise if the 49ers once again look to fortify the defensive trenches with their first-round selection in April's NFL Draft.
In his latest 2026 NFL mock draft, PFF analyst Dalton Wasserman projects San Francisco to select Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor with the No. 27 overall pick.
"San Francisco's injury-ravaged defensive line needs reinforcements, even with the eventual return of its stars," Wasserman wrote. "Miami's Akheem Mesidor is an older prospect, but he delivered an excellent final college season that helped the Hurricanes make a deep run in the College Football Playoff."
Mesidor posted 12.5 sacks last season, along with 63 tackles (17.5 for a loss) and four forced fumbles. He wrapped up his collegiate career with 208 tackles, 52.5 tackles for loss, 35.5 sacks, four passes defensed, and five forced fumbles across 65 games.
He will be 25 years old at the start of the 2026 NFL season. By comparison, Williams—the 49ers' first-round pick in 2025—will be 22 entering his second NFL season.
Still, Wasserman views Mesidor as a compelling option.
"His 92.5 PFF grade tied for fourth among qualified FBS edge defenders, one spot behind fellow Hurricane Rueben Bain Jr," Wasserman added.
Selecting Mesidor would mean the 49ers used first-round picks on defensive linemen in consecutive drafts and invested at least four draft selections on the position over two years, with Alfred Collins and C.J. West also added last year.
But given the lack of pass-rush production this season and the fact that two contributors are coming off significant injuries, it may be an approach worth taking.
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