The early portion of mock draft season is typically full of speculation and wild swings. Mocks become more refined once the combine hits and people start getting a better idea of what the prospects look like in terms of size and athleticism.
Things are pretty straightforward for the 49ers. They need help on the edge, and most mock drafts have them going that direction. Another option keeps arising though that doesn’t make as much sense.
Let’s take a look at some recently-published mock drafts and get an early glimpse at prospects the 49ers could be circling prior to the combine:
Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky
It’s hard to imagine the 49ers skipping on Allen if Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa goes first. Allen is a rangy outside linebacker who can play standing up or with his hand in the dirt. He fits multiple positions in the 49ers defense, and his athleticism really shines on tape. Allen’s 17.0 sacks in 2018 will catch some eyeballs, but his workouts at the combine could make him an irresistible choice for the 49ers in April.
Here’s what the mocks sending Allen to San Francisco had to say:
The 49ers have a pretty good roster for a team picking No. 2 overall, but they need help getting pressure off the edge, so they add Allen to a fairly formidable defense.
The 49ers took defensive linemen in the first round in three straight years (2015 to ’17), but DeForest Buckner is the only true star of the group. And none of those picks has the edge-rushing potential of Allen, who racked up 17 sacks for the Wildcats this season. If you’re talking about pure pass-rushing ability, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Allen is right up there with Bosa. San Francisco needs to add offensive weapons this offseason, but none is worth taking this high.
Unfortunately for the Niners, they just miss out on Bosa to fill their glaring need at edge rusher, but Allen isn’t a bad consolation prize. Adding 20-plus pounds of muscle and expanding his pass rush repertoire as a senior, Allen was the most improved player I studied this season.
Quinnen Williams, DL, Alabama
There’s a small problem with Williams – perhaps the most highly-touted defensive line prospect since Ndamukong Suh. He likely plays the same position as DeForest Buckner in the 49ers’ scheme. Buckner rushes the passer as the 3-technique, while Williams would occupy blockers at the nose tackle. That’s not an ideal role for a No. 2 pick on a defense that badly needs an edge rusher.
Buckner is versatile enough to kick out to the edge and rush the passer from the end, but he was most effective on the interior last season. If the 49ers believe Williams is Aaron Donald, then the pick makes sense. However, it would be another year neglecting arguably the most important position on defense, and they’re rolling the dice big-time on Williams being a generational talent who can rack up double-digit sacks from the nose tackle spot.
Here’s what the mocks sending Williams to San Francisco had to say:
It might be a tough call here between Williams and Kentucky’s Josh Allen. DeForest Buckner’s versatility could allow the team to put Buckner and Williams on the field at the same time.
Mike Renner, Pro Football Focus:
There’s no shame in drafting defensive line in the first round yet again. He earned the highest grade we’ve ever given to an interior defensive lineman as just a redshirt sophomore this past season. The difference between Williams and the other 49ers first-rounders is that the Alabama product can keep providing that high-level of production from the nose tackle position
Nick Bosa, EDGE, Ohio State
Speaking of Williams being a generational talent, that thought process could lead the Cardinals to selecting him with the top pick. In that event, Nick Bosa falls to the 49ers and gives them a crack at the draft’s top edge rusher. This scenario is a dream for San Francisco which fills its biggest need with the draft’s top prospect despite picking second.
Bosa was a a game wrecker off the edge in college. He piled up 17.5 sacks and 29 tackles for loss in 29 college games. He has the athleticism and strength to fill multiple spots on the 49ers line in their base defense and sub packages. The chances of Bosa falling are slim, but they climb every time hype for Williams builds.
Here’s what the mock sending Bosa to San Francisco had to say:
This is a dream scenario for the 49ers, who get the best overall prospect in the draft, who also just happens to fill the team’s biggest need. Despite playing just a few games due to injury in 2018, Bosa is worthy of No. 1 overall consideration.
