49ers linked to replacing Nick Bosa after injury to help ease him back to field

The San Francisco 49ers could look to the defensive line with their first-round pick, which is currently at No. 26, and it would make sense given where the roster stands.

San Francisco has relied on its front for a long time, but there’s more uncertainty there than usual heading into next season. The injuries have been brutal, and the depth just isn’t there. For a team not only trying to compete, but win it all, adding another defensive lineman early wouldn’t be the worst idea.

There will be multiple names to watch out for, but Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut predicted the 49ers would select Kayden McDonald with the No. 26 pick. McDonald would help the 49ers ease Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, and others back from injury.

“With both Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams returning from ACL tears, there are needs all over the San Francisco 49ers defensive line. It’s also worth noting that Robert Saleh wants to become a head coach again, so the team can’t be as reliant on great coaching to make up for talent deficits. Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald would step in as a space-eater on the interior against the run, but his explosiveness gives him a path to becoming a very impactful three-down player,” he wrote

McDonald might not be the best fit when everyone is healthy, but he’d give San Francisco more flexibility. As we’ve seen this year, the Niners need that.

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