Edge rushers
Power rankings
| 1. | Mike Morris |
| 2. | Jaylen Harrell |
| 3. | Taylor Upshaw |
| 4. | Braiden McGregor |
| 5. | Derrick Moore |
| 6. | TJ Guy |
| 7. | Kechaun Bennett |
Analysis
Given that they’re multiple positions and that players will move across the line, into the backfield, and all over the place, it was more instructive to utilize power rankings rather than breaking down a traditional depth chart of the position.
It was speaking about Mike Morris’ emergence in spring that Jim Harbaugh called the defense and team ‘scary good,’ and he appears poised to be the top-rated defensive end in this defense. Jaylen Harrell is more Josh Uche than David Ojabo, but he should take a major step forward in his third year. Taylor Upshaw has started games and is in now-or-never mode, but Braiden McGregor — who has been limited after tearing his ACL in his senior year of high school — has the capability to be a game-changer at the position, and could usurp any of the above if he reaches his potential.
Behind them, true freshman Derrick Moore is already at playing weight and has superior instincts for a young player. We’ve seen TJ Guy enter games last year, an indication that he’s ready to get into the conversation. We know little of Kechaun Bennett, but he looks the part, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he burst onto the scene in 2022.
Up next, the interior defensive line.