"I think they have some defensive backs who are pretty good players. To me, the question is the pass rush," said Maiocco. "They got a lot of guys – young guys – who have promise. Maiocco mentioned Jimmie Ward, Dontae Johnson, Keith Reaser, Kenneth Acker, Will Redmond, Rashard Robinson, and Prince Charles Iworah who the 49ers have drafted in the past three years to go along with projected starter Tramaine Brock.
RELATED
"There's going to be some answers there. They just need guys to get after the quarterback." Maiocco believes that Aaron Lynch looks good at linebacker, but the team needs guys like Tank Carradine to step up. Carradine has been taking some snaps at linebacker during the team's offseason program.
"I think the defensive backfield is in better shape than the pass rush," Maiocco added. The 49ers looked to upgrade in the trenches during the 2016 NFL Draft, selecting DE DeForest Buckner out of Oregon with the seventh overall selection. The hope is to bookend him on a defensive line that added DE Arik Armstead, also from Oregon, in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
The 49ers also drafted DE Ronald Blair out of Appalachian State in the fifth round.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
NFL free agency rumors swirl with 49ers in the mix for big names
NFL free agency continues to produce interesting storylines even after the initial rush of signings. With training camp approaching, several experienced veterans remain without teams, creating fresh speculation around where they could land next. Stars like Tyreek Hill, Stefon... -
49ers named potential trade fit for 5-time Pro Bowl cornerback
It seems like nearly every NFL trade rumor eventually involves the San Francisco 49ers. After all, the team is looking to keep pace with the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks in what could be the NFL's toughest division. Most speculation has centered on the 49ers adding... -
Insider: If a QB goes down, the first call could be to the 49ers
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted he was "really surprised" that no teams called during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to inquire about backup quarterback Mac Jones. While the 49ers weren't actively shopping Brock Purdy's backup, the team has made it... -
49ers named best landing spot for veteran pass rusher Kyle Van Noy
The San Francisco 49ers finished with an NFL-low 20 sacks last season, a disappointing total largely influenced by the season-ending ACL injury to star pass rusher Nick Bosa. The team also lost first-round rookie defensive lineman Mykel Williams to a torn ACL before he could...