The San Francisco 49ers are looking for opportunities to improve their pass rush, and the latest name to show up on the radar is Ohio University defensive lineman Tarell Basham. SiriusXM radio host Zig Fracassi is reporting the 49ers are among the teams that scheduled a workout with Basham.
Basham measures in at 6’4 269 pounds, and is described by Lance Zierlein as having an NFL ready build. He spent four years at Ohio, and saw his production slowly increase. After 14 sacks combined in his first two seasons, he had ten as a junior and 14.5 as a senior. In his final season, he finished 15th in Pro Football Focus’ pass rush productivity stat, and took home MAC defensive player of the year honors.
PFF describes him as a rare edge rusher who’s primary pass rush move is the bull rush. Scouting reports suggest a guy who might be better suited inside if he cannot develop some finesse around the edge. That being said, they all like his work ethic. PFF had this to say:
Basham’s motor makes him easy to root for. He plays at 100 miles an hour snap after snap with no regard for his body. That said, he’s not a natural on the edge by any means and is more of a bull in a china shop at this point. Basham is definitely one of the more intriguing mid-round pass-rushers at this point.
NFL.com had this to say:
Basham has the strength and length to play as a 4-3 base end or as a 3-4 rush linebacker, but his pass rush approach will need to be sharpened as he lacks the flexibility to bend the edge and attack the pocket with athleticism alone. Basham may never produce a high sack total, but his alpha playing style will appeal to teams looking to groom a solid backup with starter's potential.