This is going to be Kyle Shanahan’s third year with the 49ers, and it may be a make-or-break campaign for the young head coach.
In Shanahan’s first season, they started off slow but traded for Jimmy Garoppolo and turned the season around; the Niners looked like an up-and-coming team. Unfortunately, Garoppolo suffered a knee injury and missed over most of last season.
Even though the 49ers looked like a team on the rise before the injury, they have a lot of needs that must be filled. Even though they have spent draft capital building the defensive line, that section of defense is still a big need for them.
These picks were made using TheDraftNetwork mock draft machine.
No. 2: Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State
Even though the 49ers have drafted a defensive lineman in 2015, 2016, and 2017, they need to improve that position. In this simulation, Nick Bosa was taken at No. 1. This will leave the 49ers with the second best pass rusher in the draft.
Burns has had solid production the past two seasons at Florida State and killed it at the combine. For those reasons, I have him jumping Josh Allen as the second-best pass-rusher in the draft. He can get to the passer and create havoc in the backfield.
No. 36: Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina
The 49ers need help at all skill set positions. They have been rumored to be in on Antonio Brown, but that is unlikely. They need to find a way to help out Garoppolo and get him reliable pass catchers.
Samuel falls out of the first round and right into the 49ers’ lap. Samuel’s career stats have been hampered by the quarterback he had during his college career. He is sure-handed and can run many routes, and can also play inside or outside receiver.
No. 67: Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple
The 49ers need to get younger and more skilled in the defensive backfield. They have Richard Sherman already, and there are rumors that they want to reunite the “Legion of Boom” and bring in Earl Thomas.
Ya-Sin would be a perfect addition if they are looking to remake the “Legion of Boom.” A physical corner who is excellent in man coverage, Ya-Sin also shows the ability to play the slot, which would be the best fit for him and his skill set.
No. 104: Connor McGovern, G, Penn State
The 49ers struggled to find the run game in most of their games last season. They were also playing roulette at running back following the unfortunate injury to Jerick McKinnon.
McGovern is excellent in the run game and plays with a nasty streak. He has shown the ability to play either side of the center at the guard position.
No. 176: Tyree St. Louis, OT, Miami
With this pick, the 49ers build and improve their depth at the offensive line with a player who could develop into a solid player under the right coaching staff.
No. 212: Dre Greenlaw, LB, Arkansas
This pick has the 49ers starting to build depth with a player who can play the run and rush the passer. Greenlaw has shown solid production the past two seasons with the Razorbacks. He could also contribute to special teams units.
Pick 243: Andrew Wingard, S, Wyoming
Wingard can play both safety spots and provide solid depth. Wingard was all over the field during the East/West Shrine game. He shows the ability to tackle and play in coverage, reading plays before they develop to be in the right position to make plays.
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