The 49ers seem to have their eyes on the best rushers on board this year’s recovery.
Ainfensive of Tennessee James Pearce Jr. Confirmed to if he had an official meeting with the 49ers this week at the NFL Scouting combines.
“Yes, I met the 49ers, and I am confident at 1000% with my hand in dirt,” said Pearce Jr.
Pearce Jr. is built more as an outside secondary than a defensive end since it is 245 pounds. And he has short arms. But he played the defender at university, he was good against the race and exceptional against the pass. In fact, he was undoubtedly the best rusher in university football in the past two seasons.
At the combine harvester Thursday, Pearce ran a phenomenal dash of 4.47 yards and crossed the position exercises. He is so fluid and athletic, he could be able to play a tight end if he wanted it.
We do not know what type of rusher edge that the 49ers are looking for this year. Did they come from someone big and strength who can place the edges first and second down, then move inside and collapse the pocket in third row, or do they want a pure speed that might not help the defense of the race?
For what it is worth, the defensive coordinator of the 49ers Robert Saleh spent a choice among the first 15 on Will McDonald two years ago when Saleh was chief coach, and Johnson is smaller than Pearce.
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