SANTA CLARA – It’s almost too simple what the 49ers will do with the No. 2 overall pick Thursday.
This is a draft rich with defensive linemen. Upgrading that unit remains a priority for the 49ers. They could have their pick of the litter.
“It could be Quinnen Williams, Nick Bosa, Josh Allen – all those guys can pass rush,” 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner said. “The more pass rush you have on the D-line, the better.”
The 49ers started getting better last month by trading for Dee Ford, the Kansas City Chiefs franchise-tagged player.
Next, drafting a top prospect to fill the hole on the defensive line’s other side makes simple sense, even if that unit is stocked with the 49ers’ top picks from 2015-17 – Arik Armstead, Buckner and Solomon Thomas.
So what happens if the Arizona Cardinals don’t spend the No. 1 pick on quarterback Kyler Murray? The 49ers still can nab a top-notch defensive lineman.
“It doesn’t matter who (the 49ers) draft. All the guys are good this year,” Buckner said. “We’ll just add another dominant guy to the D-line. Whoever it is, it doesn’t matter, and I’m just excited to work with him.”
Sure, the 49ers can deal the No. 2 pick, as they did two years ago, presuming a buyer wants Murray or another quarterback or even a specific defensive lineman more than the 49ers.
“I know we’re going to get a good player at No. 2,” Shanahan said recently. “And if not, it’s because we’re getting a very good trade at No. 2. It should be a win-win regardless.”
Perhaps the 49ers make a stunning play for a wide receiver or defensive back — positions that rarely demand a top-2 pick. That draft-day real estate historically is reserved for quarterbacks, defensive linemen, offensive tackles, linebackers or running backs.
General manager John Lynch will hold his pre-draft press conference Monday, further fueling his appreciation for this class of defensive linemen and those with the power and athleticism commanding a high pick.
Buckner, the No. 7 pick in 2016, has met with a couple such candidates on their visits this month to 49ers headquarters.
“I know those guys are really excited and I’m very excited,” Buckner said. “If we end up taking a D-lineman in the first round, I’ll be able to work well and the whole D-line will work well with any of them.”
Buckner typically plays on the line’s interior at the 3-technique, a spot where Williams figures to flourish coming out of Alabama. That overlap still might not rule out Williams, as could bolster the line’s rotation or moonlight at nose tackle in their base defense.
Williams has made a pre-draft visit to the 49ers. So have the highest acclaimed prospects at defensive end, where the 49ers have a greater need. That list includes:
— Bosa, Ohio State (6-4, 266): His NFL genes and beefy frame — if healthy — make him an ideal bookend opposite edge rusher Dee Ford. Aside from his impressive but limited college film, the 49ers know him well from at least four pre-draft meetings.
— Allen, Kentucky (6-5, 262): Last year’s SEC leader with 17 sacks, he can speed rush and drop into coverage for the versatility coveted by the 49ers.
— Montez Sweat, Mississippi State (6-6, 260): Coached by the 49ers at the Senior Bowl, he gained fame at the combine with a 4.41-second, 40-yard dash that would appeal in a wide-9 scheme.
— Rashan Gary, Michigan (6-4, 277): Totaling only 10 1/2 sacks in three seasons under Jim Harbaugh, a shoulder injury last season hindered Gary, who’s launched his own sports agency.
Those may be the most touted options but don’t foreget about Clemson’s Clelin Ferrell( Ted Hendricks
Award) or Florida State’s Brian Burns.
“The last three years, I haven’t seen as many top guys like this,” Shanahan said at February’s scouting combine.
After seeing his defense shredded with a lack of takeaways the past two seasons, Shanahan brought in defensive line coach Kris Koceruk to install a fiercer pass rush.
The 49ers then swung the deal for Ford, 1-of-4 pass rushers who drew the franchise tag along with Demarcus Lawrence (Dallas Cowboys), Frank Clark (Seattle Seahawks) and Jadeveon Clowney (Houston Texans).
Before acquiring Ford and signing him to a big deal (five years, $85.5 million), the 49ers tapped left tackle Joe Staley for his insight from the head-to-head meeting in Week 3, when Ford headed past Staley for a first-series sack.
Buckner envisions a “dominant” defensive line. How should opponents see the 49ers?
Buckner’s response: “When a team puts the film on, the D-line sticks out to them. The quarterback knows he doesn’t have a lot of time to go through his reads. The O-line knows it’s going to be a battle. When they turn the tape on, they see four guys wreaking havoc.”
