Free agency changed some things for the 49ers in terms of their draft needs. Their needs mostly remain the same, but it made them a little more flexible in terms of when they can address which positions.
The latest four-round projections from Draft Wire look a lot like they did prior to free agency. However, some things change in the prioritizing of positions. The 49ers still snag an edge rusher first, with wide receiver getting pushed down in favor of secondary help.
Here’s what their four picks look like:
Round 1, Pick 2 | Nick Bosa, EDGE, Ohio State
The only thing that could throw a wrench in the 49ers picking Bosa if he falls to them is a monster trade offer. The Giants have two firsts to offer. The Raiders have three. That’s the only scenario that really makes sense for San Francisco to skip on selecting the draft’s top DE prospect. Arizona taking someone other than Bosa with the top pick is an ideal scenario.
Round 2, Pick 36 | Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn State
It’s hard to imagine the 49ers taking a cornerback with their second pick, but Oruwariye fits what they generally want from their cornerbacks. He’s massive at 6-2, 205 pounds, and he has the strength and athleticism to apply pressure on opposing receivers at the line of scrimmage. He’s relatively inexperienced with only one year as a full-time starter, but he’s gifted enough physically to step in and compete for a starting job right away. The coaching staff would certainly expect him to be a difference maker in Year 1 if they use a second-round selection on him.
Round 3, Pick 67 | Emanuel Hall, WR, Missouri
It stands to reason that Hall was underutilized at Mizzou. His 4.39 speed leads to a ton of plays where he’s asked to just outrun defenders. Hall’s size and athleticism should make him more versatile than that though. He’s 6-2, 201 pounds, and has enough plays on tape where he shows some route-running ability. If head coach Kyle Shanahan believes his coaching staff can help polish Hall’s all-around game, he makes a lot of sense as a Round 3 selection.
Round 4, Pick 104 | Sheldrick Redwine, S, Miami (FL)
Redwine has been mocked to the 49ers before, and his stellar combine may not leave him on the board until Day 3 of the draft. However, if they do wait to address their need at safety, and Redwine is available, he’s absolutely the type of player they should target. He’s an athletic, physical safety with good coverage skills that should afford him the versatility to play either safety spot. Also this:
