49ers News: Coen interviews Tampa Bay, which helps Robert Saleh for DC

Robert Saleh observes: The latest Buccaneers news could benefit the 49ers

“On Wednesday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen will conduct his second interview, and a report says the Buccaneers are preparing for his possible departure.

“There is a growing belief that Coen’s job is to lose,” wrote Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. “Not only were the Jaguars impressed with the 39-year-old offensive coordinator when they interviewed him nearly a week ago, he is primed to revive the career of quarterback Trevor Lawrence.”

49ers Offseason Plan: Hurry Up, Pay Brock Purdy, Then Protect Him (Paywall)

“A reason to use high-end draft picks at positions like offensive tackle, defensive tackle and edge rusher? These positions are among the most expensive in free agency, and all we asked was that the 49ers spend at least $55 million per year on their quarterback and make him quick.

Given some financial constraints, it would be prudent to use their annual free agent windfall on a cornerback after they did just that in 2022 when they signed Charvarius Ward to a three-year, $40.5 million deal. Three years later, Ward is likely to depart in free agency, and his expected departure would leave Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green and… Darrell Luter at the top of their depth chart. Ever heard of Tre Avery?

Jets cornerback DJ Reed, a fifth-round pick by the 49ers in 2018, has said he will test free agency, but he could be out of their price range. A cheaper option could be the Saints’ Paulson Adebo, a 2021 third-round pick who has 10 career interceptions but missed 10 games last season with a broken leg.”

What the NFL playoffs tell the 49ers about their window

“49ers fans complained about the team’s play along the offensive line. But the playoffs have shown that other top teams have their own problems up front.

After all, the Minnesota Vikings and Eagles gave up nine and seven sacks, respectively, against the Rams.

The Vikings’ season ended when they couldn’t protect quarterback Sam Darnold against the Rams’ young, vibrant pass rush. The Eagles and quarterback Jalen Hurts survived to reach the NFC Championship Game, where they will host the Commanders on Sunday.”

Five defensive tackles the 49ers could pursue in the 2025 NFL Draft

“Great players show up when the lights are brightest, and Williams has been a showpiece in Ohio State’s College Football Playoff run with exceptional performances in wins over Texas and Oregon.” Technically sound and remarkably consistent, has Williams may not have the pass-rushing abilities of Harmon or Nolen, but it’s hard to argue that there is a player in this draft with a better field as a run defender at the position.

Williams stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 330 pounds and could provide an immediate impact to a 49ers defense that desperately needs to fill the gaps in its run defense. The No. 11 overall pick seems like a possibility for Williams at this point, but his strong showing in the College Football Playoff could put him out of the 49ers’ reach in the second round. Maybe San Francisco could move up from No. 43 overall? Something to keep an eye on.”

How Darnold influences the 49ers’ selection in the 2025 NFL Draft

“And the outstanding play of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold appears to mean the 49ers will get another compensatory pick at the end of the fourth round.”