Even with a top-ranked defensive line, the 49ers will look to add depth to that group in the upcoming NFL draft.
San Francisco's defensive front will be led by the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Nick Bosa, who led the league with 18.5 sacks last season. The 49ers added Javon Hargrave during free agency to play alongside Arik Armstead, but they're still looking for more firepower for defensive line coach Kris Kocurek.
With the 2023 draft class looking very deep at edge rusher, the 49ers could get a lot of "bang for their buck" with later-round picks. They could use one of their first three selections at Nos. 99, 101 and 102 overall to find someone who could compete to play opposite Bosa in the pass rush.
Here are three edge rushers who could be available when the 49ers make their picks.
Tuli Tuipulotu, USC
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 266 pounds
Age: 20
There is nary an award that Tulipuloto didn’t receive in 2022 — Unanimous All-American, Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-Pac-12, Polynesian Player of the Year and the Morris Trophy (Pac-12 DL).
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The Trojan product earned all of the accolades, racking up a career-best 13.5 sacks along with 46 tackles — 22 for a loss -- two forced fumbles and three pass breakups. Football talent runs in Tulipulotu’s family — his brother, Marlon, was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles as the No. 189 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and his cousin is none other than 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga.
While at USC, Tulipulotu played from five-technique all the way to nine, which makes him a perfect candidate for Kocurek to mold. Tulipulotu is projected to be a third-round selection, so the 49ers could have a chance to add another high-motor player to the group.
Isaiah McGuire, Missouri
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 268 pounds
Age: 21 years
McGuire was very productive in his final two seasons at Missouri, leading his team in sacks in both 2021 and 2022. The former Tiger totaled 94 tackles -- 27 for a loss -- along with 13.5 sacks in that two-season stretch.
In his final season at Missouri, McGuire was voted team captain while keeping high productivity on the field, recording 35 total pressures and showing solid ability in run defense. The 22-year-old is slated to be a third- or fourth-round selection, as he has the physical attributes and skills that should translate to a solid NFL career — especially if he's under Kocurek’s watchful eye.
RELATED: Three offensive tackles 49ers could target in 2023 NFL Draft
D.J. Johnson, Oregon
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 260 pounds
Age: 24
The 49ers have had a good history with defensive linemen from Oregon, and Johnson could be the next to follow suit. Slated as a fourth- or fifth-round selection, the former Duck is a viable choice for one of San Francisco's several draft picks.
Through 11 games in 2022, Johnson recorded 28 pressures, five sacks (team high), two hits and 21 hurries, earning him Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 honors. Seen as a talented prospect in need of refinement to help his production, the Bay could be the perfect spot for Johnson to develop into an NFL starter.