It's not as if the 49ers haven't tried to improve the defensive line. They've drafted Reggie McGrew in the first round, Chike Okeafor, and last season John Engelberger. The problem is, only one, Engelberger has really developed into a starter. Chike Okeafor has shown some signs of talent, but he will really need to step up his performance if the 49ers are going to keep him around. Meanwhile Reggie McGrew has done very little but sit on the bench in his two seasons with the 49ers. McGrew has been injured, and has been flat out slow to develop. The 49ers thought they had someone to replace Dana Stubblefield when the drafted McGrew, but now, McGrew is becoming a candidate for the waiver wire.

Other than promising defensive end John Engelberger, the 49ers have a stud at defensive tackle by the name of Bryant Young. Young recently signed a six-year deal, that will make signing other free agents this off-season more difficult, but he is worth every penny. Young seems to be fully recovered from a leg injury a couple seasons ago. The recovery involved placing two titanium rods in his legs that have now calcified to the bone and become impossible to remove. Nevertheless, Bryant Young has proven to be the best defensive lineman the team has, and is a person the team can build around on defense.

The 49ers other defensive tackle last season was Brenston Buckner. Buckner has been with the 49ers as a free agent for some time now. This past season he broke out, and became somewhat of a threat next to Bryant Young. Buckner recorded six sacks, and the 49ers would love to tandem him and Young together this season. The problem is, Buckner is a free agent, and the 49ers have very little money. Providing the 49ers can't hold onto Buckner, this team may really need Reggie McGrew - who at this point has not shown any promise.

The 49ers also have Junior Bryant on their roster. Junior injured himself last season, and has shown no progress of recovery. At this point, the 49ers are not counting on having him back for the season. Junior Bryant was one of the team's better defensive linemen. He played tackle and end, and was a key factor in providing some of the pass rush, and relieving the pressure from Bryant Young.

Another option the 49ers have is using Cederick Killings, or John Milem, both of who were with the 49ers for the first time last season. Killings showed good production when given the chance, particularly at defensive tackle. If the 49ers don't re-sign Buckner, Killings may be able to give the 49ers the support they need. John Milem was drafted last season and has the size and speed to offer support at the defensive end position. Unfortunately, Milem didn't see the field enough last season to get a good read on him. These two players could become significant factors in this seasons 49ers' defense.