Getting fleeced in a trade would be a catastrophic result for the 49ers in the 2019 draft. That’s the precise scenario that plays out in Chad Reuter’s latest four-round mock draft on NFL.com.
The picks themselves aren’t bad, but the notion that San Francisco would move back out of the second pick for what amounts to basically nothing with Nick Bosa still on the board is a doomsday scenario for John Lynch and the 49ers that would quickly raise questions about the 49ers’ front office and its ability to capably navigate on NFL draft.
Reuter proposes a trade between the 49ers and Raiders that gives the Raiders the No. 2 overall pick in exchange for No. 4, a fourth-round pick (No. 106), and a 2020 second or third-round selection.
That’s an abysmal trade for San Francisco. Using NBC Sports’ trade value chart, the best-case scenario where the 49ers wind up with the No. 33 pick in next year’s draft results in San Francisco coming up about 450 points shy of the value of the No. 2 pick.
A more realistic compensation for San Francisco in a trade with Oakland would be No. 2 for Nos. 4, 27, 106 and a future mid-round pick. The 49ers won’t be eager to move that pick for anything less than a monster haul, especially with Bosa available for the taking.
Here is how the rest of this mock draft shook out for San Francisco:
Round 1, Pick 4 | Quinnen Williams, DL, Alabama
Williams wouldn’t be a bad compromise if the 49ers miss on Bosa. He could conceivably be the pick at No. 2 with his ability to stay on the field for all three downs. He’s impactful against the run, but the prospect of him and DeForest Buckner pushing the pocket from inside is an extremely intriguing prospect for a 49ers defense that needs help pressuring quarterbacks. An edge rusher to line up across from Dee Ford would be ideal, but Williams isn’t a bad option.
Round 2, Pick 36 | Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
Versatility makes Adderley an intriguing safety pick for San Francisco. He’s very good in coverage, and combines that with athleticism and a football IQ that could make him a starting free safety on Day 1. Having a free safety who can slide into the box and cover running backs, tight ends and receivers is a chess piece the 49ers don’t have on their roster. Addereley fills a hole and adds another playmaker to a defense that lacked them all over the field last season.
Round 3, Pick 67 | Sean Bunting, CB, Central Michigan
It’s hard to envision the 49ers using a pick on a cornerback before they use one on a wide receiver. However, Bunting is a terrific athlete who posted nine interceptions and 15 pass breakups in three years in college. He tested extremely well at the combine and proved to be an explosive athlete even if he is a bit undersized for what the 49ers typically seek in a cornerback. He measured out at 6-0, 195 pounds with arms a touch under 32 inches. It seems like San Francisco might wait until Day 3 to snag a corner if they do draft one, but that doesn’t rule Bunting out if he is available then.
Round 4, Pick 104 | JJ Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford
Arcega-Whiteside is a fascinating player in regards to where he fits with the 49ers. He came in at 6-2, 225 pounds, but he plays much bigger than that. He’s exceptional at using his body to box out defenders and win jump balls. The issue is he may not be able to do much more than that, and versatility is key for 49ers receivers. On the other hand, his best traits are the ones the 49ers badly lack. They were abysmal in the red zone last season, and a player like Arcega-Whiteside immediately improves their ability to score in that area of the field. The question will be where else he can make an impact.
Round 4, Pick 106 (from Raiders) | David Long, LB, West Virginia
The addition of Kwon Alexander in free agency could eliminate the team’s need to spend a draft pick on the position. However, Long has a ton of athleticism and productivity in college that should allow him to fill in for Alexander in the event that he can’t return immediately from his torn ACL. Long would be in a roster battle with Elijah Lee for the backup weak side linebacker spot, but he’d be in good shape as long as he flashes special teams ability. He is just 5-11, 227 pounds, but that size is less of a concern in the modern NFL. If the 49ers are going to spend a pick on a linebacker, Long is certainly the type of player they’d aim to acquire.
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