Why Gross-Matos is key to unlocking 49ers defense’s full potential originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SANTA CLARA — The 49ers’ defense took a step back during the 2023 NFL season, with defensive end Charles Omenihu’s under-the-radar departure playing a significant role in San Francisco’s regression.
Entering 2024, the 49ers’ offseason addition of Yetur Gross-Matos could be the missing ingredient to fill the tremendous void left behind by Omenihu’s unique skill set.
Before quantifying the potential Gross-Matos brings to San Francisco’s defense, it’s essential to understand the impact Omenihu had during his two seasons as a 49er. Primarily a defensive end, Omenihu’s physical profile opened the door for a bit of creativity with his usage, as San Francisco struck gold upon kicking him inside during obvious passing situations.
Omenihu stands just over 6-foot-5 with an arm length of 36 inches (both ranking in the 98th-percentile among defensive ends), allowing him to overpower interior offensive linemen while presenting a matchup nightmare with a physical profile guards and centers aren’t accustomed to facing.
Gross-Matos also stands at 6-foot-5, with a 34 7/8 arm length that ranks in the 92nd-percentile among defensive ends, offering similar measurables as Omenihu, creating a tantalizing opportunity to use the 49ers’ new addition in a similar fashion.
You can be assurred defensive line coach Kris Kocurek already has thought about it, as he explained the upside of Gross-Matos’ versatility, highlighting the same physical attributes that allowed Omenihu to shine in his unique role during his tenure in San Francisco.
“Yeah, I really like Yetur. He’s a big-frame dude, thick lower body, long and still has that explosive traits throughout his lower-body,” Kocurek said. “Very instinctive player that always seems to be around the ball. And then the versatility that you talked about, being able to play him outside on all three downs.
“Versatility on third down in obvious…
..
