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The 49ers are seeing most of their free agents head elsewhere early in free agency, but the team looks to continue working their plan. Adam Schefter is reporting that the team will host Chiefs defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey. The former fifth overall pick of the draft never quite panned out in Kansas City and is now looking for a fresh start.
I was able to get some comments from Joel Thorman of Arrowhead Pride, to give us some perspective on the addition of Dorsey:
Glenn Dorsey is an interesting case. Drafted by the Chiefs fifth overall, Dorsey was often compared to Warren Sapp as the next great defensive tackle. After his first year in Kansas City, the Chiefs moved to a 3-4 defense, which meant Dorsey moved to defensive end, a position he hadn't played before. That's when the "Dorsey is out of position!" chants started in Kansas City, and they never really stopped.
The truth is Dorsey was a serviceable 3-4 defensive end for the Chiefs. He was solid against the run but didn't provide anything in the pass rush department, which drove Chiefs fans crazy. (Note: this is also when the Chiefs started telling us that 3-4 defensive ends aren't supposed to pressure the passer. Right around the time they drafted Tyson Jackson third overall. I don't sound bitter, do I?)
Dorsey is a solid player and would be a fine pick up for any team, but I don't think he's the next great defensive tackle. Because he was such a high pick and didn't rush the passer, it was hard to truly get excited about him.
My favorite tweet about this report has to be from @NFLosophy (a great follow by the way):
RT @adamschefter: Chiefs DT Glenn Dorsey will be visiting the 49ers. >>Oh boy. KC fans are going to get to see how much coaching matters.
— NFL Philosophy (@NFLosophy) March 12, 2013
We rave about the 49ers coaching staff, and particularly what Jim Harbaugh did with Alex Smith. If the 49ers are able to land Dorsey, I am just as excited about what Jim Tomsula and Vic Fangio can do with young defensive lineman. The 49ers need to find a long-term answer behind Justin Smith and Ray McDonald, and maybe they can turn Dorsey into said answer.
The 49ers are also reportedly interested in Raiders defensive tackle Desmond Bryant, so this will be a situation to watch in the coming hours and potentially days.