Fifth in a series looking at potential candidates for the 49ers’ first-round selection when they draft No. 9 overall on April 26:
49ers draft prospect: Harold Landry
College: Boston College
Position: Defensive end
Ht/Wt: 6-foot-3, 252 pounds
Why he fits the 49ers: The 49ers need a legitimate, double-dige sack artist to emerge as a defensive force. Aldon Smith was that guy during their last playoff runs. Landry should be available at No. 9. His speed and visual discipline in attacking the ball is ideal, rather than relying on quickness with an outside move.
Why he doesn’t: If the 49ers feel they have more pressing needs at offensive line or cornerback, maybe they wait on an edge rusher, having used their top pick in the past three drafts on a defensive lineman. His senior production is a concern, but not a true red flag.
Scouting report: Had a hugely productive and dominant junior year with 22 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles. Dipped a bit as a senior because of an ankle injury and had 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. Could play standing up as a 3-4 rusher but most scouts believe he’s better off with his hand in the dirt. Relies almost exclusively on explosion and burst and can be controlled by tall tackles who have superior upper body strength.
Quotable: “I think that nobody in this class has a first step line mine, the bend like mine and the burst to the quarterback like me,” Landry to reporters at the NFL scouting combine when asked what sets him apart from other pass rushers available.
