Frank

Alexander

The 49ers will receive pick No. 180 plus Carolina’s 2013 third-round pick in return. Alexander was in contention for Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year after recording 19 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks as a fifth-year senior. Although Alexander has a high motor on passing downs, he often washes out against the run. Expect him to contribute as a situational pass rusher in Charlotte.

Alexander was quickly cleared, however, and ran a 4.76 40 at Oklahoma’s Pro Day. Alexander’s misdiagnosis could have been part of the reason he fell to No. 103 after putting up big senior-year numbers, but he’s also viewed as little more than a situational rusher. That will be his role as a rookie for a Panthers team that tied for just 25th in the league with 31 sacks last season.

Coach Ron Rivera was excited to trade up for Alexander, who posted 8.5 sacks with Oklahoma last season. The Panthers envision Alexander pushing Greg Hardy for snaps in a rotation at left end.

The Panthers are looking to replace Greg Hardy full-time. Alexander played just 24 snaps last season after being slapped with consecutive four- and 10-game suspensions to open the season. He admitted to smoking weed after practices on a regular basis to help him heal. Now apparently clean, Alexander made noise at OTAs before injuring his groin and missing minicamp. If Alexander doesn’t take the job, the Panthers also have Kony Ealy, Mario Addison, and Wes Horton.

It’s a blow to Carolina’s up-front depth, as Alexander is a useful reserve behind starters Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson. The 24-year-old plays a lot of snaps at left defensive end when Johnson kicks inside to tackle in sub-packages. Alexander finished 2013 with 15 tackles and a sack. His absence gives more opportunity to Mario Addison, Wes Horton, and CFL signee Alex Hall.

Reed didn’t elaborate, though his remarks are consistent with a report last month that coach Ron Rivera was “bullish” on Alexander. He’ll compete with Kony Ealy and incumbent Wes Horton opposite starting left end Charles Johnson.

It means he’ll be exposed to waivers. Alexander is just three years removed from being a fourth-round pick, but was suspended for all but one game last season, and will be coming off major injury in 2016. He has only 3.5 sacks in 28 career games. He’s unlikely to be claimed.

Alexander went down on the opening drive of the game. He had to be carted off, suggesting it’s a significant injury. Second-round pick Kony Ealy will start opposite Charles Johnson if Alexander isn’t ready for Week 1.

Alexander was in the lead for right end duties after missing the majority of 2014 on suspension. Now the Panthers have to turn to second-rounder Kony Ealy opposite Charles Johnson. A 2012 fourth-rounder, Alexander will head into 2016 coming off major injury, and having appeared in just 1-of-32 games between 2013-14.

It’s Alexander’s third strike. He was suspended for all but one game in 2014. He’s currently on injured reserve with a torn Achilles’. One month shy of his 26th birthday, Alexander’s NFL future is looking grim. He’s made one appearance since his 2012 rookie season.