1. DE Ronald Blair (San Francisco 49ers)
Analysis: I’ve covered Blair since his rookie season, as one of the 49ers beat reporters, and I was always a huge fan of his, for a number of reasons. For starters let’s talk about his work ethic. He is a true student of the game and takes up coaching very well. That translates on the field. He has a knack for making plays at or behind the line of scrimmage, rarely gets caught out of position with his gap integrity, and can hold the point of attack at will. There are few holes to Blair’s game, simply because he plays with a low pad-level and sound fundamentals.
#49ers DE Ronald Blair received high praise from DC Jim O'Neil. Here he is attacking the sled. #49ersBeastWriter pic.twitter.com/STxTO1iv0X
— Ryan Sakamoto (@BEASTwriter) August 11, 2016
A player who is buried on the team’s depth chart behind a plethora of first-round picks including DE Arik Armstead, DE Nick Bosa, and DE Solomon Thomas, Blair may find himself looking on the outside in, as he’s due to become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
#49ers would be wise to re-sign DE Ronald Blair while cutting ties with Arik Armstead. Blair is tied for second on the team with 3.5 sacks while playing far less snaps than AA. In addition, has ability to stack and shed while playing with sound leverage/gap integrity unlike AA.
— Ryan Sakamoto (@BEASTwriter) November 23, 2018
The team seems 50-50 on whether to keep Armstead. He’s having a breakout campaign and will surely get paid. The team could tag him but with Bosa and DE Dee Ford there, I can’t see that happening. Plus, the team could let Armstead walk and re-sign Blair, a much cheaper alternative with not much drop-off in production. If the Steelers can somehow strike a deal for the five-year veteran that would do wonders for their depth along the defensive line. Blair can play multiple techniques along the line and will bring a nice locker room presence, strengthening their locker room dynamic.
3. #Jets: DT Quinnen Williams
— Ryan Sakamoto (@BEASTwriter) April 25, 2019
Analysis: GM Mike Maccagnan has always drafted BPA and things don't change despite best 3-4 OLB Josh Allen sitting there. Williams is a dynamic player up the middle who can play multiple techniques, also Leonard Williams is not signed beyond 2019.