The San Francisco 49ers on day 3 of last year’s draft shipped a 2020 fifth-round pick and a 2021 third-round choice to Washington in exchange for offensive tackle Trent Williams. They used the second of those two selections on Day 2 of the 2021 draft to close out the ripples from that trade.
Washington used the fifth-round pick last year on San Diego State center Keith Ismael. He played in eight games during his rookie season, but didn’t start a game.
The second selection wound up being the 74th overall pick this year. They stayed at that spot and snagged Minnesota cornerback Benjamin St-Juste. He’s actually a player the 49ers might’ve liked.
He has good size and physical traits, but limited experience and not a ton of college production. St-Juste would’ve fit in nicely as a project cornerback on the 49ers’ depth chart.
Given how well Williams played last year though, and that he signed a six-year contract with the 49er this offseason, it’s hard to imagine San Francisco regrets letting go of their pair of selections in exchange for the big left tackle. That’s especially true with No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance in the team’s long-term plans under center. Having Williams to protect his blindside figures to be a much better help to the 49ers than whoever they might’ve taken with those two picks.
