The prospect of the 49ers trading out of the No. 2 overall pick seems unthinkable after a season-long race for the No. 1 overall selection fell just one spot shy. However, as the quarterback class deepens and prospects at the 49ers’ top positions of need begin to climb up draft boards, a trade back looks like a stronger possibility.
San Francisco may not even field calls about the pick if they’re set on a player at that spot. Let’s go to a universe where they do pull the trigger on trade out of the No. 2 slot. Here are six players who they could be targeting in that scenario:
Jachai Polite, DE, Florida
Polite’s athleticism makes him a fascinating prospect for the 49ers’ defense. He’s a little undersized at 6-2, 240 pounds, but we’ve seen edge defenders use that lack of size to their advantage. That lack of size could be mitigated by a switch to SAM linebacker, but his lack of experience would make the transition extremely tough for a player the 49ers would need to produce right away. Still he possesses all the tools to disrupt quarterbacks in the NFL. He racked up 11 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss in his junior year at Florida. Polite needs some polish, but the athleticism is enticing, especially if San Francisco lands between Nos. 10 and 15.
Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
A lack of lateral athleticism could wind up hurting Sweat’s draft stock which climbed at the Senior Bowl. He’s listed at 6-6, 241 pounds and his combination of length and explosiveness makes up for a lack of bend around the edge. Sweat still managed 22.5 sacks and 30 tackles for loss the last two seasons despite the fluidity to dip his shoulder and get past offensive tackles. He’s very good at setting the edge, an issue for the 49ers’ run defense this season, and he’s proven to be disruptive as a pass rusher. The combine may knock Sweat down a couple spots on some boards, but he’s an ideal target for San Francisco if they trade into that same 10-to-15 range.
Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
It’s hard to envision the 49ers going after a cornerback this early in the draft, but Williams may be worth a shot if they think they need to bolster their secondary with high-end talent. Williams is a lengthy corner who fits the profile of what San Francisco looks for at that position. He uses his length well to recover when he does misdiagnose or arrive a step late to a play. Williams’ eight interceptions and 19 pass breakups are both good in terms of statistical production, but his status as a redshirt-sophomore could push him down some boards. The other thing that stands out is a lack of hard-nosed stops in the run game. San Francisco’s corners for the most part do a good job in run support, and for Williams it’s tough to find many plays where he’s flying up to take on a ball carrier.
Devin White, LB, LSU
White might make the most sense for the 49ers if they wind up picking in the 15-to-20 range despite the fact he’s not an edge rusher. San Francisco still needs a long-term solution next to Fred Warner in the front seven, and White has all the tools to play linebacker in the modern NFL. He’s fast, physical and has enough of both traits to hang with running backs and tight ends – a key responsibility of a WILL linebacker in the 49ers’ defense. Chances are the 49ers wind up taking a linebacker on Day 2, but if they are going to snag one in the first round, White has to be the target.
Brian Burns, DE, Florida State
There’s an outside chance Burns climbs into the top 10 and becomes an option if San Francisco slides back to just outside the top five. He’s an exceptionally fluid athlete, but will need to add some bulk to his 6-5, 235-pound frame. Even without that added weight, Burns was a terror for three years at Florida State, amassing 38.5 tackles for loss and 23.0 sacks. His ability to change direction to both get past blockers, and drag down quarterbacks in the open field really stands out after the 49ers struggled in that department a season ago. Burns would strictly be a defensive end, but he’s athletic enough to rush with his hand on the ground or standing, and it’s not out of the question that he evolves into a solid option in coverage as well. A strong showing at the combine will help Burns’ draft stock a ton.
Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
It’s easy to write Murphy off as an option for the 49ers since he doesn’t seem to fit the physical profile they want for their cornerbacks. He’s listed at 5-11, 185 pounds. On the other hand, he plays much bigger than his frame, and his tape is littered with huge hits and plays that make his size a non-factor. Murphy has a nastiness about him that’s easy to envision 49ers general manager John Lynch falling in love with. His coverage skills are terrific, and he’s versatile enough to play in the slot or outside. If the 49ers want a Day 1 starter at corner, Murphy would be a player they’d target if they trade back and stay in the 7-to-10 range.
