The 2019 NFL draft is vital for a 49ers team that wants to compete for Super Bowls in the near future.
San Francisco’s roster isn’t great on the surface, but that’s due in part to a lack of experience and consistency from some of the talent on the depth chart. They might have future starters at key spots on the roster already, but that can’t stop the 49ers from addressing those positions.
The uncertainty up and down the roster leads to some intriguing questions for the front office going into the draft. We have some predictions about how San Francisco might operate across the three-day draft starting April 25:
Defensive end with first pick
It’s not exactly going out on a limb here, especially if quarterback Kyler Murray goes first overall to the Cardinals. On the other hand, Bosa going No. 1 dramatically changes things for the 49ers. There may not be another edge rusher worthy of the No. 2 pick, and Alabama defensive lineman Quinnen Williams is another popular name among the top three. If San Francisco doesn’t have the opportunity to take Bosa, they’ll either reach a bit for an edge rusher at No. 2, or they’ll trade back a few spots and target a player like Mississippi State’s Montez Sweat or Florida State’s Brian Burns.
Trade up to back of Round 1
This is a move San Francisco’s made in two of the last three drafts. The cost to move up from No. 36 to somewhere in the 29 or 30 range is worth the additional contract year and elevated level of talent they can scoop up with that Round 1 selection. The Rams pick at No. 31, so they’re not liable to want to trade with the 49ers, but the Patriots sit at No. 32, Green Bay picks 30th and the Chiefs go 29th. Those teams might all be willing to deal with San Francisco, allowing them to pick up a high-end safety or wide receiver in Round 1.
Trade down in third round
The 49ers only have six picks in this year’s draft, including two in the sixth, none in the fifth or seventh rounds. A move up in Round 1 will likely leave them even more depleted in the middle rounds. It would behoove them then to fall out of the No. 67 pick. A move back in Round 3 gives them an opportunity to possibly recoup the pick they’d lose in a move up in the first round while still netting a quality player late on Day 2.
Draft offensive lineman early Day 3
Help on the offensive front is quietly a growing need for San Francisco. They return all five of their starters from last season, and they presumably have guard depth with Joshua Garnett. They’re still not set at swing tackle though, and finding Joe Staley’s replacement has to be on their radar. Getting a player as good as Staley will likely mean an early Round 1 investment in the position. However, an early Day 3 pick, or even a late Day 2 selection, could fetch a player good enough to compete for a top reserve spot this season while grooming to step into a starting job once Staley calls it quits.
This will be John Lynch’s most impactful draft
Lynch’s track record through two drafts is mostly average considering the overwhelming inconsistency from some of their picks. The 2019 draft has to be a home run. They own the No. 2 overall pick, and early picks elsewhere in the other rounds. There’s a prime opportunity to identify franchise-changing talent, and failing to do so will be a pretty significant mark on Lynch’s still fledgling record. Some of the impact of this year’s draft could be mitigated if some of the club’s second and third-year players make big leaps this season. Finding long-term starters in the 2019 draft is crucial though, and finding a perennial Pro Bowler with their first pick is a must. With two years of experience and a better roster to draft for, Lynch should be able to build his best draft class yet.
