49ers Adjustments for 2023: Defense

One of the subtle keys about Steve Wilks and blitzing isn’t just that they’ll do more of it, but that it will come from so many places.

The primary adjustment is new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. He’ll bring more blitzing and a focus on preventing big plays. The defense will be more connected and interdependent, which should lead to getting off the field with successful stops on 3rd and long more consistently.

In my view, the overlooked aspect of Wilks will be player development in the secondary. The Niners have the best position coaches in the league at defensive line and linebacker, now they add secondary in Wilks, that may be his biggest contribution to the team in developing the vets and a talented rookie class.

Edge: Fans are asking for a free agent signing such as Yannick Ngaouke to add more certainty and dominance. I doubt it happens as the team will need to use their cap room as a safety net to handle whatever emergency might come up at any position.

Three players get a chance here. Clelin Ferrell as an edge-setter on running downs. Drake Jackson as a designated pass rusher. Robert Beal Jr. as the pure speed edge in development. Jackson has powered up and has a golden opportunity, but seizing that is not assured.

It may come to pass that none of the three succeeds, I expect the Niners will let that play out first. Trade options should extend into the season with the edges in Washington and possibly Danielle Hunter in Minnesota.

Defensive Tackle: Adding Javon Hargrave will be huge in getting sacks and attracting attention to free others. A tackle that mandates a double-team is a coveted weapon in the NFL. The adjustment for Hargrave is if he can contribute in run defense, where he’s been ineffective to date.

Arik Armstead can be a force, but he needs to find consistent health. Kalia Davis comes off his injury redshirt year expected to contribute. Undrafted free agent Spencer Waege tested well at the Combine and could be a diamond in the rough.

The final roster cuts will be difficult, productive vets will have to be let go.

Linebacker: The third slot is open for special teams ace Oren Burks, draft picks Dee Winters and Jalen Graham, and roster vets Marcelino McCrary-Ball and Demetrius Flanagan-Fowles.

The key unknown is if the Niners will carry six linebackers as they did under DeMeco Ryans. They have stacked depth at both linebacker and defensive back, Wilks may prefer an extra man in the secondary. If the Niners cut LBs hoping they clear waivers, Ryans may poach a player or two from the final cuts.

The adjustment is blitzing. Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw should both excel at the new opportunity as players that can shoot the gap and wrap up. At TCU, Winters had controlled blitzes set up by the players in front of him, creating an open lane for sacks.

Defensive Back: The forgotten man here is Isaiah Oliver, who Wilks considers to be one of the best nickel backs in the game, he has coverage skills and is proven effective against the run. Wilks has also mentioned Oliver will be used in blitzing.

Some have wondered what happens if a starting outside corner goes down, Oliver may be the first option. If not, rookie Darrell Luter Jr. may get the call ahead of Sam Womack given that Luter has more size to defend the run.

Size could also be an issue for Deommodore Lenoir, particularly if Wilks wants to play more press-man coverage to set up the pass rush.

Safety: Wilks' top priority of preventing big plays will require improved execution and judgment at safety. Talanoa Hufanga needs to make a leap if the big plays are to be shut down. Tashaun Gipson had a highly productive season, but top draft pick Ji’Ayir Brown will push to get on the field. Three safety sets are expected. Brown is the top blitzer of the three, he had 4.5 sacks in his last season at Penn State.

One of the subtle keys about Wilks and blitzing isn’t just that they’ll do more of it, but that it will come from so many places. Both safeties, the nickel back, and any linebacker, that’ll make it harder for offenses to identify and block.

Another benefit, this is potentially how to solve quarterbacks scrambling free for the first down against the Wide-9 on third and long. Blitz and the defense will take away time and open lanes.