Defensive linemen were first up at this week’s NFL scouting combine, and that position group is arguably the top priority for the 49ers’ draft sleuths.

The 49ers did not draft a defensive lineman last year, and they’ve selected only two (Robert Beal, Kalia Davis) since the first-round selections of Nick Bosa (2019) and Javon Kinlaw (2020).

Not only must the 49ers replenish the defensive front’s rotation for Robert Saleh’s return as defensive coordinator, they must also add potential starters and depth at linebacker, cornerback and safety in this year’s potential 10-man draft class.

The 49ers’ top pick is slated for No. 11 overall. Perhaps Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter falls to them because of a foot injury. If not, here is what other defenders are saying and how they’re performing at the combine, with help via the Pro Football Writers of America’s transcripts and the NFL’s stat keepers in Indianapolis:

1. SPEED CHECK >> The 49ers, especially defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, covet a defensive lineman’s get-off speed. Thus, 40-yard dash times may not be as weighted as the 10-yard split or other drills. Robert Beal Jr., a 2023 fifth-round pick, had the 10th-fastest 40-yard time (4.48 seconds) among defensive linemen at the combine since 2003; he has one sack in 187 defensive snaps the past two seasons.

Defensive linemen with the best 10-yard splits and 40-yard times on Thursday: James Pearce Jr. (1.56 seconds, 4.47 seconds; Tennessee), Shemar Stewart (1.58, 4.59; Texas A&M), and, Fadil Diggs (1.60, 4.57; Syracuse).

2. A GREENLAW SUCCESSOR? >> If the 49ers bid adieu to Dre Greenlaw in free agency next month, perhaps a similar linebacker is available with Chris Paul of Ole Miss.

Paul is 6-foot-1, 222 pounds; Greenlaw is 6-foot, 230 pounds. A year ago, Greenlaw sustained a torn Achilles in the Super Bowl, then essentially played just two-plus quarters last season in a short-lived comeback.

3. ROLLIN’ WITH NOLEN? >> Defensive tackle Walter Nolen grew up in Tennessee and Mississippi as a 49ers fan, specifically of linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman. But it’s former Rams star Aaron Donald who Nolen compares himself to with “his violence and how fast he gets off the ball. His motor. I feel like I’ll bring some of those same things to whatever team I go to.”

4. STARKS AT SAFETY >> Malakai Starks, a Georgia safety and potential first-round pick, said something that could be music to the ears of 49ers GM John Lynch, a Pro Football Hall of Fame safety: “People don’t look at (safeties) all the time how they should. It’s an awesome position. I think it’s the best position you can play. You just get to go out there and compete. I just love it.”

Starks has studied Kyle Hamilton (Ravens) and Budda Baker (Cardinals) in terms of their play-making ability as roving safeties. “that’s the biggest thing: being able to produce,” Starks said.