Coming full circle the one position to pursue might be DE.
They brought Reilly at OLB/ST and I guess that might be it at LB. KVN, Roberts and Harris stepped up in parts for Hightower on Sunday and w McClellin back, Chung, Richards and M.Flowers part-time “star“ LBs that is what it is. Its not like Hightowers are on trading blocks plus there's a cap.
Flowers, Wise, Marsh (with “tweeners“ Guy and A.Butler as emergency/situational options) and inactive Grissom is not what BB envisioned this season for the position. After losing Ninko, Rivers, Ealy, Langi and Hightower (that they tried to move to DE initially) he might not be comfortable with what he has going forward esp. since Wise is a rookie w inj. history and Marsh is going to be most effective as a core STer and situational rusher.
I think they'd like another bigger, traditional Pat DE who can set the edge and rush some (like they tried w Ealy).
Some names that beats are throwing out now:
Jeremiah Attaochu, LAC (6'3, 252;
2014 / Round: 2 / Pick: 50)
Buried behind Bosa, Ingram and McCain on the depth chart, Attaochu has played in just one game for the Chargers this season (21 defensive snaps in the Week 7 win over Denver) and was a healthy scratch Sunday against the Patriots. 2rd pick (in 2014) who’s been hindered by injuries, finishing last season on injured reserve after tallying six sacks in 2015. Attaochu missed the beginning of the season due to a hamstring injury. His replacement, Chris McCain, took advantage of the opportunity.
Kareem Martin, ARI (6'6, 272;
2014 / Round: 3 / Pick: 84)
Martin has ascended into a more prominent role following Markus Golden's ACL injury. Still, the Cardinals are going nowhere, so the team may be interested in receiving a draft pick for Martin, whose rookie contract expires this spring.
Nate Orchard, CLE (6'4, 260;
2015 / Round: 2 / Pick: 51)
Orchard saw his playtime dip when No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett debuted in Week 5 (Garrett is currently in concussion protocol and will likely miss at least another game). A second-round pick in 2015, Orchard could be viewed as expendable due to the presence of Garrett, Carl Nassib (drafted in 2016), and Emmanuel Ogbah (also drafted in 2016). The Pats and Browns have made two trades since the summer of 2016 -- one involving Pro Bowl linebacker Jamie Collins and another for linebacker Barkevious Mingo.
Aaron Lynch, SF (6'5,280;
2014 / Round: 5 / Pick: 150)
"Lynch hasn't fully shaken concerns over his effort and dedication that followed him from college into the NFL," wrote Sando. "One insider said he could be worth a sixth-rounder."
The questions about effort surfaced earlier this year when Lynch showed up to offseason workouts overweight. Lynch, who is in the final year of his contract, worked his way back into shape at a level that pleased 49ers coaches and wound up making the roster out of the preseason as a backup at defensive end. Lynch was inactive for the 49ers' season opener against the Panthers but has played the past three games, notching two tackles and a sack.
One team in need of help on defense is New England, but the Patriots may not be interested, based on a quote from a league insider.
"I just can't see (New England) going after an Aaron Lynch on character," the insider said. "Maybe (Nate) Orchard (of the Browns) or an Eli Harold.
Idd add:
Sam Acho, CHI (6'3, 260;
2011 / Round: 4 / Pick: 103)
Chicago might turn back to the rebuild mode and they would welcome additional draft capital after giving a lot for Trubisky. Acho is on a minimum vet 1yr contract.
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Of course the fact that Pats didn't go for L.Houston and Freeny as SFA could mean they don't see the need. (both played in HOU@SEA game, both already have a sack..)
*descriptions from NESN, MASSLive, 247 sports
