The San Francisco 49ers decided to table their glaring need for an outside edge rusher during the 2018 offseason, neither using free agency or this year’s NFL Draft to make a serious upgrade.
General manager John Lynch and Co. will roll with the options they have. But after finishing tied at 26th with just 30 sacks a year ago, it’s apparent the lack of an outside pass rush will hurt the team’s defensive efforts this season.
Through two preseason games in 2018, it’s apparent the lack of a pass rush is real. The Niners have just two sacks so far — one from rookie defensive tackle Jullian Taylor and a combined one between defenders DeForest Buckner and Solomon Thomas.