One of the reasons that the 49ers spent last year looking for a strong defensive lineman to play opposite star Nick Bosa—a search that resulted in trades for Randy Gregory and Chase Young, which were temporary fixes—could be found in a player who was supposed to have been a 2022 draft steal, Drake Jackson.
Jackson was a borderline first-round prospect who was at least expected to go in the Top 50 of that draft, but was chosen by the 49ers with the second-to-last pick of the second round. After playing 15 games and 33% of the team’s snaps as a rookie, he had an impressive start to 2023, with three sacks in the first game against the Steelers.
After that? Silence. Jackson recorded four tackles for the rest of the season and, dealing with injuries and inefficiency, lost his job and did not play after Week 8.
With that in mind, as San Francisco Chronicle beat writer Eric Branch outlined the details of the 49ers’ 2024 53-man roster, he predicted Jackson being cut by the team altogether, beaten out by undrafted free agent Evan Anderson.
“Jackson, their 2022 second-rounder was drafted to serve as Bosa’s bookend. But his lack of development prompted their trades for pass rushers Randy Gregory and Chase Young in October before they signed (Leonard) Floyd in March,” Branch wrote this week.
49ers Rebuilt the Defensive Line
In all, Branch expects the 49ers to keep nine defensive linemen, starting with Bosa and key player Javon Hargrave. New signees Maliek Collins, Leonard Floyd, Yetur Gross-Matos and Jordan Elliott are in the mix, too, along with 2023 fifth-rounder Robert Beal and veteran backup Kevin Givens staying, as well. Anderson would also be part of the group.
That’s five new faces, though, joining the group after the surprise release of Arik Armstead in March.
Jackson would be out after an underwhelming two seasons with the 49ers. The fan site Niners Noise ran a list of San Francisco players who could be “safely called busts” and Jackson was firmly among them.
Around midway through last season, though, GM John Lynch at least held out some hope for Jackson, telling The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami (via SB Nation), “I wouldn’t call it disappointment. I think he’s going through some struggles that you see players go through. …
“So I think fighting through things, had a tremendous offseason, a very talented young man. Started the season with a bang, with three sacks, and the second year is an interesting year for players. I’ve always thought that. And I think you continue to work and throw energy and time into a guy like Drake because of what he ultimately can become.”
Drake Jackson’s Time Running Short
At some point, though, it will be time to simply cut ties with Jackson and if he does not show massive improvement between now and the end of camp, there just won’t be room for him on a team that is intent on winning a Super Bowl now, and is not looking to throw energy at a young underachiever.
As for other interesting cuts forecast by Branch, he sees the team cutting ties with some other prominent recent picks. Spencer Burford, the 2022 fourth-round pick, would be cut after failing to secure a starting position on the offensive line, as would oft-injured 2022 third-round receiver Danny Gray.
Also on the Chronicle’s hypothetical chopping block is another third-round pick, cornerback Ambry Thomas, who was selected in 2021. The 49ers have two outstanding corner options in Deommodore Lenoir and Charvarius Ward, but urgently need another choice for nickel coverage or on the perimeter to free up Lenior to play in the slot.
