With The First Pick
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49ers: 3 free agents who could alter 2021 NFL Draft plans

By Nicholas McGee

Nov 29, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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49ers target Carl Lawson. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Carl Lawson, EDGE

With Dee Ford standing out as an obvious cap casualty after seeing his first two seasons with the 49ers largely ruined by injury, edge stands out as a glaring need for a team whose star pass rusher, 2019 second overall pick Nick Bosa, will be making his way back from a torn ACL.

If they don’t address quarterback in the draft then edge could well be top priority for San Francisco with pick No. 12, where the Niners will likely be in a position to snag one of the top players in the class at the position.

But could they look elsewhere with that pick if they are able to add to their edge-rushing depth in free agency?

The likes of Shaquil Barrett and Bud Dupree look set to be out of the 49ers’ price. However,  Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Lawson could be an enticing mid-tier target for San Francisco.

He had only 5.5 sacks in 2020 but his 44 total pressures were tied-fourth in the NFL behind only T.J. Watt, Joey Bosa and Aaron Donald, per Pro Football Reference.

Lawson is a strong fit for the Wide 9 defensive front the Niners employ and if they were to land a 25-year-old pass rusher who has still to reach his full potential, another area could come into focus with the 12th pick.