The San Francisco 49ers do not have a first-round pick thanks to the Trey Lance deal from last year. With their deep playoff run, the 49ers will have to wait till the 61st pick in the draft before they get to make a selection. While they don’t have any glaring needs, the 49ers do have a couple of positions that need to be addressed. Furthermore, every team could always use more depth. The secondary was inconsistent, so the 49ers could look to address it. Also, with a young quarterback, adding an offensive lineman or multiple can keep him comfortable.
To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Team Mock Drafts.
Round 2, Pick 61: Darian Kinnard, iOL, Kentucky
The offensive line is not necessarily a glaring need, but Kinnard could improve the group. The 49ers live and die on their run game so improving their offensive line is sensible, especially with a young quarterback under center next season. Kinnard is an outstanding run blocker that could fare well on the interior offensive line at the next level. He fits the 49ers scheme well, and his big build can help in the run game.
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Round 3, Pick 93: Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
A team can never have too much depth on the defensive line. Jackson is a quick and flexible edge rusher who could step in for Dee Ford as soon as needed and make an impact. He had a fairly successful career at USC and would stay in-state if selected by the 49ers. Furthermore, contending teams always have plenty of depth when it comes to rushing the passer. While it has nothing to do with on the field, fun fact, Jackson’s grandma’s favorite team is the 49ers.
Round 4, Pick 132: Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri
The secondary is a need for the 49ers, and not taking a defensive back in the first few rounds may worry some fans, but it should not. Without a first-round pick, the likelihood of hitting a star defensive back is relatively slim, so addressing other positions of need makes sense. The 49ers already have Ambry Thomas, who began breaking out near the end of last year, and Deommodore Lenoir, who had bright moments during the season. Reaching for a defensive back early on with other needs would not make much sense than holding off and taking one like Evans in the later rounds. Evans is a raw cornerback, but he has a good length which could help him thrive at the next level.
Round 5, Pick 171: Markquese Bell, SAF, Florida A&M
The 49ers could use their later picks to take multiple attempts at addressing the secondary if they do not try early. Bell, a former four-star recruit, impressed at Florida A&M after transferring and is receiving draft looks in the back half of the draft. He is a versatile safety with great aggressiveness and power. Bell can fit multiple schemes and potentially help address the 49ers’ secondary needs.
Round 6, Pick 185: Chase Lucas, CB, Arizona State
Drafting two cornerbacks would make sense for the 49ers in the later rounds. The more attempts they make at improving the cornerback position, the more likely the chance of success. Lucas has good ball skills and can take long strides to catch up with the opposing receiver. With no guarantees in the draft, doubling up could improve their chances of success with the pick.
Round 7, Pick 251: Bubba Bolden, SAF, Miami
Draft analysts projected Bolden to be a first or second-round draft pick before the season, but now his draft status is uncertain. He is a long safety who can recover well if beat down the field. Bolden has terrific size and power and is athletic. He is a high upside pick that could be worth it in the late rounds.
Round 7, Pick 254: Chris Owens, iOL, Alabama
After taking Kinnard early on in this mock, the 49ers should look in other places with the rest of their picks until the final one. The Alabama product can play across the offensive line. Owens’ versatility could make him sought after near the end of the draft. His athleticism and capability to play multiple positions could add depth to the 49ers’ offensive line.
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