SANTA CLARA — Most positions require pre-draft analysis deep in statistical nuances, body measurements and background checks.

A pass rusher? He must race from Point A to the QB, and do it ASAP.

A few years ago, 49ers general manager John Lynch touted how his latest fifth-round find had graded atop the 2023 draft class for an explosive “get-off” over the first 2 yards. They covet speed. Robert Beal Jr., however, had just one sack in 25 career games and was free to leave last month for Atlanta.

The 49ers still have a glaring need for an edge rusher, and Thursday night’s first round of the NFL Draft could solve that.

Aside from 2019 gift horse Nick Bosa, drafting and developing defensive ends is not the 49ers’ forte, from Beal to Drake Jackson (2022 second round) to Pita Taumoepenu (2017 sixth round). The 49ers have leaned hard — too hard — on recycled veterans to complement Bosa and recreate the 2019 Dee Ford pairing.

Last year, the 49ers deployed the No. 11 overall pick on Mykel Williams. He’s no sack artist, but he’s a versatile and sturdy lineman, or he was before tearing an ACL in his ninth game and ending his rookie year with just one sack.

Six games earlier, Bosa’s ACL popped in his right knee. Both he and Williams are on track for comebacks by the Sept. 10 season opener in Australia. But hastening the need for an edge rusher are Bryce Huff’s abrupt retirement last month, Keion White’s ankle recovery from a gunshot wound, and last season’s NFL-low total of 20 sacks.

Drafting No. 27 overall with scarce resources to jump into the top-15, the 49ers figure to miss out on top-heralded prospects Arvell Reese (Ohio State), David Bailey (Texas Tech) and Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami).

There’s still a chance Bosa could unite with big brother, Joey Bosa, and dreamers will fantasize for Myles Garrett, but, alas, this pre-draft story is about unproven prospects. So, here is the 49ers’ plight in terms of defensive ends.

Top candidates

1. Malachi Lawrence (UCF; 6-4, 253): His 10-yard split (1.57 seconds) in a speedy 40-yard dash (4.52) showcases the speed threat needed here. His long arms (33 5/8 inches; 81 5/8 wing span) lassoed quarterbacks to the tune of 17 ½ sacks over 36 games the past three years.

2. Akeem Mesidor (Miami; 6-3, 263): After two seasons in West Virginia and four in Miami, he enters as a 25-year-old rookie whose sack ability shone with an ACC-best 12.5 sacks last season. His ability to slide inside on pass downs fits the 49ers’ philosophy, perhaps too much so.

3. T.J. Parker (Clemson; 6-4, 263): His Senior Bowl dominance and ideal size could keep him from falling to the 49ers. While his production dropped off last season after a banner 2024, that reflects the Tigers’ fall, too.

4. Cashius Howell (Texas A&M; 6-2, 253): Worked his way from Bowling Green (three years) and into an All-SEC force by his second season at A&M. Not the best arm length but he shot out at the combine (1.58 seconds at 10 yards; 4.59 seconds at 40).

5. Zion Young (Missouri; 6-6, 267): Rangy with a strong bull rush but not speedy. He totaled just 11 ½ sacks over four seasons and 46 games in college, having transferred from Michigan State in 2024. Arrested for suspicion of drunken driving in December.

Honorable mention: Keldric Faulk (Auburn), R Mason Thomas (Oklahoma), Gabe Lucas (Illinois), Romelo Height (Texas Tech), Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State).

On the roster: Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, Keion White, Sam Okuayinonu, Cameron Sample, William Bradley-King, Andrew Farmer

Analysis: The 49ers are relying too heavily on 3-for-3 comebacks by Bosa, Williams and White from their leg surgeries. Sample played behind elite ends in Cincinnati the past four seasons.