Who will be the most important backup for the 49ers in 2023?
The San Francisco 49ers have been known for their significant star talent on both sides of the ball, which has led them to three NFC Championship appearances over the last four years.
However, it’s their backups that have also played an integral role, be it in a rotation at certain positions, or stepping in due to injury, which is why judging the team’s depth has been nearly as important as judging the team’s overall talent.
With that said, who will be the most important backup for the 49ers in 2023?
Ranking the most important backups in the NFL this season, NFL insider Matt Lombardo included 49ers defensive end Clelin Ferrell, whom the team signed to a one-year deal this offseason, at No. 4.
“Few positions are as tangibly meaningful to the outcome of games, outside of quarterback, than pass-rusher. The San Francisco 49ers are anchored by one of the most dominant offensive lines in the league, headlined by defending Defensive Player of The Year, Nick Bosa,” Lombardo wrote.
“Ferrell arrives in the Bay Area following one of the more productive seasons of his career, logging a pair of sacks, but also adding 23 quarterback pressures, as a rotational rusher along the Raiders’ defensive line. San Francisco his historically deep up front, but Ferrell would need to play at a high level if Bosa or Drake Jackson wind up missing time.”
At No. 4, Ferrell ranked behind three quarterbacks: Marcus Mariota of the Philadelphia Eagles, Tyler Huntley of the Baltimore Ravens, and Mike White of the Miami Dolphins, making him the most important non-signal-caller on the list.
Ferrell’s value has been understated this offseason, as much of the focus has been placed on potential starter Drake Jackson, who enters a critical offseason with a chance to earn a bigger role.
However, the 49ers have valued depth along the defensive line as much as any team in the NFL, and Ferrell is poised to be the top backup at defensive end for the organization, potentially placing him in the way of earning meaningful playing time this season, especially if an injury occurs.
Of course, the quarterback position, amongst others, share an argument in having the most important backup on the team, but Ferrell is a good choice at a top-three position in football.
