The San Francisco 49ers had a rough 2020 season, winning just six games. Their biggest free agent is Richard Sherman and they will have to attack the secondary in this upcoming draft. Just over a week ago now, the 49ers made a blockbuster trade-up to the third overall pick, which the whole world expects to be in order to take one of the top quarterbacks. Besides cornerback and quarterback, their next biggest need is offensive line help. They currently have three picks in the fifth round and one in each of the other rounds.
For 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 1, Pick 3: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
The 49ers trade up and get their man. While the media speculation has revolved around this pick being either Justin Fields or Mac Jones, Lance is the perfect fit for them. Head coach Kyle Shanahan even said in his press conference that this pick is more about the future than just this year, which screams Lance. They are ready to give Jimmy Garoppolo another year as the starter while the rookie takes a year to learn the system. WIth Lance having limited experience at the college level, but quite possibly the highest ceiling (outside Trevor Lawrence), he makes perfect sense. Keep in mind, though, that the 49ers are still open to trading Garoppolo. They are looking for a first-round pick, though, which is… uhh… not happening. Aim high I guess.
For more on Lance, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 2, Pick 43: Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State
As aforementioned, one of the biggest needs for San Fran is at cornerback. Being able to snag Samuel Jr. with their second-round pick would be a huge get. The son of former pro-bowl cornerback Asante Samuel, Samuel Jr. is tremendous in man coverage and checks all the boxes with his quick twitch and reaction ability. He is kind of undersized, but so was his father, and he plays much bigger than that size. The former Seminole finished his college career with 29 pass breakups in three seasons, while he added three interceptions last season. Samuel also has the versatility to play in the slot and on the outside, which the 49ers value a lot.
For more on Samuel, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 3, Pick 103: Trey Smith, IOL, Tennessee
The 49ers need to protect whoever their quarterback ends up being and Smith is a pretty powerful and dominating guard. He has some restrictions due to lack of mobility and flexibility, but he has plenty of strength to help in a power/gap run scheme. Smith has some health concerns which could cause him to fall. But if he can stay healthy, he could be a steal late in the third round. He has a high enough ceiling that he could develop into a more complete pass and run blocker.
Round 4, Pick 117: Walker Little, OT, Stanford
San Francisco re-signed Trent Williams to a massive six-year deal and signed six-time pro bowl center Alex Mack this offseason. But that doesn’t mean they will avoid stocking up on their depth for the O-line in a deep draft. Plus, Williams and Mack are both north of 30, so injuries are always a potential concern. The 49ers depth was tested in 2020 and they saw little success. Little is a strong lineman with the ideal NFL size and great length. He has a lot of promise despite not playing since he suffered a knee injury in 2019 and then opting out of the 2020 season.
Round 5, Pick 155: Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State
Hubbard is a perfect back for an outside zone scheme and would really open things up in the Niners’ running game. He would fit very well with Shanahan’s offense with his elusiveness, speed, and ability to change direction. None of San Fran’s current running backs are signed into 2022 and they definitely should look to add a late-round stud.
Round 5, Pick 172: Anthony Schwartz, WR, Auburn
The 49ers could use a slot receiver as Deebo Samuel and 2020 first-round selection Brandon Aiyuk are solid as WR1 and WR2. Schwartz could wind up being a steal, as he is a very explosive weapon that can be used as a swiss army knife of sorts. He’s a speed demon that can take handoffs and be used as a traditional receiver.
For more on Schwartz, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 5, Pick 180: Tariq Thompson, S, San Diego State
Another pick to help out their secondary, San Francisco selects a versatile and playmaking safety in Thompson. He is very strong in man-to-man and is a solid tackler in space. He has top-notch ball skills and can defend the pass well. The defensive back has the versatility and instincts to play in any defensive scheme, lining up in the slot or on the back end. Thompson has a high ceiling at the next level and can develop into a top defender in the 49er secondary. At least for now, it would add solid depth.
Round 6, Pick 194: Shaka Toney, EDGE, Penn State
Toney could end up as a major steal with the potential he has. He has room to add some weight, but he tested extremely well at his pro day. In his 40 yard dash, Toney ran a 4.51 second time, tested well in his agility drills, and recorded a 39-inch vertical jump. When he has his hand in the dirt and just goes after the quarterback is him at his best. He is a very good pass rusher who can rotate in on passing down and fits the 49ers scheme as a wide 9 type of player. If Toney can add some weight, he will be an every-down player. But as he is now, he will still be an explosive rusher.
Round 7, Pick 230: Paris Ford, S, Pittsburgh
Why not add another defensive back to try and add to the depth? Ford is a lot more developmental than the others, of course, given his seventh-round grade. But he still has potential as he can reach all areas of the field with quick feet and a great motor. He doesn’t have the best tackling technique but he did have 41 tackles – three for loss – in four games in 2020 before opting out for the remainder of the season. The more depth, the better for the Niners, and Ford could develop into a solid option.
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