The 49ers could be looking for more defensive line help with training camp approaching. San Francisco on Monday hosted DL TJ Carter, DL Tomasi Laulile and DL Robert Nkemdiche for physicals according to the NFL’s wire.
Nkemdiche is the most notable name of the three players. He was a first-round pick in the 2016 draft by the Cardinals, but he’s never been able to live up to his first-round billing. He spent three years in Arizona and recorded all 4.5 of his sacks in the 2018 campaign. Across those three season with the Cardinals he played in just 27 games. He played two games for Miami in 2019, didn’t play in 2020, and joined the Seahawks for the 2021 season. Since 2016 he’s played in just 38 games, but the 49ers have been known to bet on talent. Nkemdiche would be the latest reclamation project by the 49ers’ defensive coaching staff.
Carter was an undrafted rookie in 2020, but had his NFL hopes derailed by COVID-19. He wound up spending time with the Saints and Steelers, but hasn’t appeared in a regular season game. In four years at the University of Kentucky he racked up 71 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks.
Laulile has also not played in the regular season after spending some time with the Colts as an undrafted rookie in 2018.
The 49ers could use some interior line depth, so adding competition at that spot would make sense ahead of camp. There’s no word on any signings stemming from Monday’s visit.
