Kyler Murray’s commitment to the NFL via Twitter on Monday sent waves through the league that could produce a ripple effect that eventually reaches the 49ers. The Heisman winner’s choice to set his sights on playing quarterback in the NFL could shake up the draft in a way that ultimately benefits the 49ers.
One of those scenarios played out in Luke Easterling’s latest three-round projections. Arizona head coach Kliff Kingsbury keeps his word selects Murray with the first overall pick. That leaves the 49ers with the entire class of edge rushers in their hands at the No. 2 selection. Let’s check out how the draft shook out for them.
Round 1 (Pick 2) | Nick Bosa, EDGE, Ohio State
Easterling is driving the train that has Bosa falling to the second pick. Several trades play out in this mock, but the 49ers don’t get involved, and it’s hard to believe they would if Bosa falls in their lap. He’s the best prospect in a dynamite class of edge rushers, and San Francisco would sprint to the podium if he comes available.
Round 2 (Pick 36) | Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson
Free agency will greatly impact how the 49ers maneuver on Day 2 of the draft. Edge rush is their top need, but after that they have several positions to fill that all fall around the same priority level. Snagging Mullen early in the second round immediately bolsters a secondary that badly needs some depth. He may need some polish, but his 6-1, 186-pound frame seems to fit the size the 49ers want from their corners. His play in Clemson’s 44-16 romp over Alabama in the National Championship could boost his stock a little, but the 49ers would be shooting for a starting-caliber corner if they’re selecting one this early in the draft. Mullen has the skill set to be that in the NFL. His pre-draft workouts and meetings will be key.
Round 3, (Pick 67) | JJ Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford
Arcega-Whiteside is the exact type of receiver 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan would want from a draft pick. His athleticism doesn’t jump off the screen, but he runs terrific routes, gets open, and catches the football. It helps that Arcega-Whiteside measures out around 6-3, 225 pounds, giving him a size advantage over every other player in the 49ers’ receiving corps. The touchdown numbers are impressive for the Stanford product. He hauled in 23 over his final two seasons to go along with 111 catches and 1,840 yards. It would not be a huge shock if the 49ers went after Arcega-Whiteside earlier in the draft, and he’s the precise type of receiver they’d look to add via the draft. Getting him in Round 3 would be ideal.
