With the NFL Draft right around the corner (thank goodness) and both Bay Area teams likely to take pass rushers with their first selections, I wanted to examine the three top defensive linemen. We all know the group by now: Ohio State’s Nick Bosa, Kentucky’s Josh Allen and Alabama’s Quinnen Williams. Over the next couple weeks, I’ll do a deep dive on all three guys.



I’ve heard over the last week that when quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo went down with a torn ACL in Week 3 of last season, the 49ers brass — including Kyle Shanahan — really started to focus on the top guys in the draft. It’s normal for the front-office folks to watch and evaluate draft prospects year-round, but the head coach being involved that early tells you the 49ers knew they had to get their 2019 first pick right. Losing Garoppolo was a terrible season-ending moment, but it also led the 49ers to a great spot (No. 2) in this upcoming draft. It’s now time to...