This week’s draft presents the 49ers with the task of improving an already strong squad.
The Niners have made it to the NFL Final Four in four of the last five seasons, a run that has featured two Super Bowl losses to the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes.
Here are some things to watch out for in Kyle Shanahan and company’s draft this week as they aim to improve in 2024.
San Francisco 49ers draft picks
No. 31 overall (first round)
No. 63 overall (second round)
No. 94 overall (third round)
No. 124 overall (fourth round) (from Dallas)
No. 132 overall (fourth round) (compensatory)
No. 135 overall (fourth round)
No. 176 overall (fifth round) (compensatory)
No. 211 overall (sixth round) (compensatory)
No. 215 overall (sixth round) (compensatory)
No. 251 overall (seventh round)
Key Needs
With Trent Williams approaching 36 this summer, offensive tackle is a critical position of need for the 49ers, and right tackle Colton McKivitz may be upgraded. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings is set to become a free agent in 2019; Brandon Aiyuk is rumored to be pursuing a lucrative new contract, raising doubts about his future.
They need to bolster their secondary with another cornerback on the other side of the ball.
Predictions
If they stay put, the Niners should try to select a lineman in the first round; at number 31, players like Roger Rosengarten and Jordan Morgan might be available.
John Lynch stated this week that he “believes in bloodlines,” so a cornerback and receiver would be good day two picks. In the later rounds, keep an eye on Luke McCaffrey, the brother of current Niner Christian and the son of former Niner Ed, who might be a strong fit.
Alternatively, the 49ers could look to trade up. Thanks to their gaming of the compensatory pick game, they have 10 selections overall this year and will not be able to find ten slots for rookies on their 2024 roster, so there’s a case for using these picks as ammunition to move up.
