A 33-year-old Ahmad Brooks isn’t going to be a centerpiece for the 49ers to build their new defense around. In fact, Brooks’ position will be one of the most important in the front seven, which is why San Francisco might consider using an early pick in the NFL draft on his eventual replacement.
Rumors are swirling signaling the 49ers are inclined to trade back from their second-overall pick, perhaps with Cleveland, who might trade up from No. 12 for a quarterback. But one prospect that makes a ton of sense hasn’t been written about in the context of San Francisco’s new defense: Temple’s Haason Reddick.
Consider what new coordinator Robert Saleh said about the SAM linebacker and the profile for the position.
“When looking at the SAM linebacker and what they’re asked to do on a day-to-day basis, 70-percent of the game their hand will be in the ground,” Saleh said earlier this month. “So, we’re looking for more of an edge rusher as opposed to what it was in years past with a brut SAM linebacker, a Bill Romanowski-type. We’re trying to move forward from that.”
Reddick fits this profile almost perfectly. He played defensive end at Temple but was used in coverage and as an off-ball linebacker. He blew up Senior Bowl practices and his workout at the combine, showcasing versatility and athleticism that went under the radar at Temple.
Consider: Reddick (6-1, 237) ran a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash, posted 1.59 in the 10-yard split, managed 24 reps on the bench press and 36 1/2 inches in the vertical jump. He had 22.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks last season.
Given that tantalizing skill set, Reddick could help the 49ers in a few different ways. He could provide much needed pass rush and has the versatility to play all three linebacker spots given his impressive athleticism, movement skills and instincts.
And, if Reddick’s San Francisco’s target, moving back in a trade would allow John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan to get more early-round draft capital while finding an every-down player for the front seven.
Former NFL executive Mike Lombardi for The Ringer wrote about Reddick this week:
His exceptional quickness and nonstop motor allows him to rush, blitz, run-stop, cover, whatever you want. He can do anything. Offenses won’t be able to formation him off the field. Against a higher level of competition at the Senior Bowl, he stood out. I love Reddick’s game. He starts on day one for me.
The best-case outcome for Reddick, Lombardi wrote, was Von Miller. Not bad.
What would it take to get Reddick? His stock has been ascending for some time. And since Reuben Foster’s has taken a hit, Reddick might go inside the top 10. ESPN ranks Reddick its 11th-best prospect, CBS Sports 17th and Bleacher Report 16th. Perhaps the 49ers would need to move to the eight-to-12 range in a trade back.
