The 49ers’ 2019 draft class could be one of the most influential in the team’s history. We took a look at the entire eight-player class to come up with the best-case and worst-case scenarios for each pick.
The aim was to be realistic with the most-optimistic scenarios. If the 49ers get all of their players to hit their top-end projections, the team could itself back in Super Bowl contention even sooner than anticipated.
DE Nick Bosa
]It’s no surprise that Bosa, the No. 2 overall pick, has the best, ‘best case’ scenario in the 49ers’ 2019 draft class. The floor on Bosa is extremely high because of his size, strength, and multifaceted skill set that allows him to get after the quarterback in a variety of ways. His ceiling is also sky high. If he hits his peak and realizes his full potential, there’s no reason to believe Bosa can’t be a dominant three-down defender who regularly posts double-digit sacks and wins a Defensive Player of the Year Award at some point in his career.
Find Bosa’s worst-case scenario here,
WR Deebo Samuel
Much has been made about comparisons between Samuel and former 49ers receiver Pierre Garçon. It’s not a direct comparison of skill set and playing style, however, the best case scenario for Samuel is likely one that culminates in him producing the way Garçon did under head coach Kyle Shanahan. Garçon had the best season of his career in Shanahan’s second season as Washington’s offensive coordinator when he posted 113 catches, 1,346 yards and five touchdowns. His 16-game averages with Shanahan are right around what Samuel should put up in a best-case scenario: 97 receptions, 1,218 yards and six touchdowns.
Find Samuel’s worst-case scenario here.
WR Jalen Hurd
Hurd might wind up being the steal of the draft if he realizes his full potential in the NFL. He’s listed as a wide receiver, but he’ll be a Swiss Army knife type of player who lines up all over the field. Shanahan should be able to devise ways to get Hurd into the end zone, especially in the red zone. Whether he’s lining up in the backfield, out wide, or in the slot – Hurd is a matchup nightmare who should find a ton of success in the 49ers’ offense despite not playing just one position. Multiple seasons with double-digit touchdowns aren’t out of the question for the third-round pick.
Find Hurd’s worst-case scenario here.
P Mitch Wishnowsky
Flipping field position can be vital in the NFL, and Wishnowsky’s best case means he’s one of the best in the league at doing that. The 49ers hopefully won’t need to punt much, but a punter taken in the fourth round should be an All-Pro who regularly pins teams deep in their own territory to help bail out the 49ers’ offense when it stalls.
Find Wishnowsky’s worst-case scenario here.
LB Dre Greenlaw
It would be outstanding if the 49ers can wind up getting some starts out of Greenlaw should free agent signee Kwon Alexander not be able to start the year as he continues to rehab for his surgically repaired ACL. Greenlaw stepping in for however long Alexander is out and giving the 49ers some much-needed athleticism in their linebacking corps, then moving to special teams as a key contributor on that unit would be an excellent first year for the Round 5 pick. Beyond that, having a backup linebacker capable of starting and playing at a high level would be ideal.
Find Greenlaw’s worst-case scenario here.
TE Kaden Smith
Smith isn’t liable to overtake George Kittle as the top tight end, but he can snag the second TE job. The best possible scenario for Smith is one where he steps in immediately to the second tight end role and gives the 49ers another weapon, especially in the red zone. It’d be a steal for San Francisco if Smith can be a strong blocker and catch a few touchdowns a year to make teams account for him as a receiver.
Find Smith’s worst-case scenario here.
OT Justin Skule
Skule could set himself up nicely for the future if he can win the swing tackle job in his rookie season. The Vanderbilt alum isn’t going to start in Year 1, and he might never develop into a long-term option at either tackle spot. However, spending multiple years as the first tackle off the bench, and performing capably in spot starts would likely earn Skule a long NFL career – which is admirable for a Round 6 selection.
Find Skule’s worst-case scenario here.
CB Tim Harris
There’s a ton of talent here, and an injury-free college career likely makes Harris a Round 2 or 3 pick. He has great size and athleticism for the position, and was a favorite in this draft class of Pro Football Focus. His best case is that he wins the starting job as a rookie and never relinquishes it. This probably also includes a couple of Pro Bowls and an awesome ESPN feature before one of the 49ers’ Monday Night Football games in the next couple years.
Find Harris’ worst-case scenario here.
