The 49ers’ defense made it way too easy on quarterbacks during the 2025 NFL season.

Something has to change, and a good place to start is with the No. 27 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The 49ers recorded only 20 sacks last season. The New York Jets were second-worst in the NFL with 26, and the Denver Broncos topped the league with 68. Cleveland Browns superstar Myles Garrett had an NFL-record 23 sacks all by himself.

The 49ers’ projected starting defensive ends, Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, are aiming to return to the field after their seasons were cut short by torn ACLs.

Entering the new league year, the 49ers have more uncertainty than depth at defensive end.

Bryce Huff had four sacks in his first seven games, and none in his final 10 (including playoffs). Keion White was a rotational player after arriving in a midseason trade from New England. His status is unclear after he underwent recent surgery after sustaining a gunshot wound to his left ankle.

The defensive linemen will conduct their on-field workouts Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, and the 49ers will be paying close attention.

Assuming they hold onto the 27th pick in the draft, the 49ers likely will not have the opportunity to draft such players as Arvell Reese (Ohio State), David Bailey (Texas Tech), Rueben Bain (Miami) and Keldric Faulk (Auburn).

So that could leave these players as the top options when it is their turn to pick at the bottom of the first round.

Akheem Mesidor, Miami

Mesidor is not lacking in experience. He played six seasons of college football (two at West Virginia, four at Miami). He turns 25 in early April.

He had an outstanding final season and was dominant in the college football playoffs. He finished the season with 12.5 sacks. He lacks ideal height and length, but he wins with instincts and effort.

It is possible he is chosen within the top 20 picks in the draft.

T.J. Parker, Clemson

Parker was unable to build on his outstanding 2024 season, but he was impressive the last time scouts saw him in action.

He had 11 sacks and six forced fumbles as a sophomore in 2024. He had five sacks with no forced fumbles but three fumble recoveries in his final season of college football.

But Parker stood out at the top college all-star game. Parker was at the top of his game during a strong week of practices at the Senior Bowl.

R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma

It is still possible to get value with an edge rusher even if he is not considered an every-down player. There could be a significant role for Thomas as a situational pass-rusher.

Thomas looks as if he could be a ‘tweener without a true position that fits him at the next level. His work during the position drills should provide a strong indication of what NFL teams think of him.

Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Howell can bend around the corner and get to the quarterback, something he did 27 times in his college career at Bowling Green and Texas A&M.

He lacks the size and bulk to set the edge in the run game, but he can make his mark as a pass-rusher on money downs.

Zion Young, Missouri

Young is a long, powerful defensive end who can move inside to rush the passer on nickel downs.

He is coming off a season in which he registered career-highs with 6.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss. Young is known for his high intensity, aggressiveness and motor.

But he comes with a red flag. Prosecutors in Columbia, Missouri, filed charges last month against Young for driving while intoxicated. He was clocked going 64 in a 50-mph zone. According to court documents, Young refused to submit to a field-sobriety test and a preliminary breath test.

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