According to PFF's Bradley Locker, Odighizuwa could prove to be one of the most impactful additions of the entire NFL offseason.
"San Francisco's interior defenders were the worst in the NFL last year, but the team now sports an elite pass-rusher up the middle," Locker wrote.
The 49ers acquired Odighizuwa from the Dallas Cowboys in March in exchange for a 2026 third-round draft pick. The veteran defensive tackle has recorded 17 sacks over his first five NFL seasons and is expected to provide a major boost to a defensive front that lacked consistent pass rush in 2025.
Locker believes the addition isn't getting the recognition it deserves.
"Over the last three seasons, Odighizuwa has established himself as one of the sport's foremost pass-rushing defensive linemen," Locker wrote. "Since 2023, Odighizuwa ranks seventh among qualifiers at the position in total pressures generated, and his 14.2% pass-rush win rate is fifth.
"Impressively, Odighizuwa has been fairly steady year over year with at least a 70.2 PFF pass-rush grade in each of the last four campaigns."
Locker also pointed to just how much help the 49ers needed along the interior defensive line. San Francisco's interior defenders earned the NFL's lowest overall PFF grade by a wide margin last season, even after the team invested draft picks in Alfred Collins and CJ West. The two rookies tied for the lowest overall grade on the team (35.0).
"While Odighizuwa hasn't been quite as stout against the run, his value against the pass is enormous — especially on a defense that needs real help getting after the quarterback," Locker added. "Odighizuwa should serve as a legitimate complement to the returning Nick Bosa, and his presence figures to unlock better play out of a defense that finished 24th in EPA per play."
If Odighizuwa performs as expected, the 49ers could see one of their biggest defensive weaknesses quickly become a strength.
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