49ers mock drafts: As the big day nears, focus on one defensive player sharpens
When the NFL draft kicks off, the 49ers won’t have to wait long to welcome their newest player.
San Francisco has the No. 2 pick and, other than presumably Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray, has open season with the selection.
The Bee’s Chris Biderman recently detailed the team’s top position needs, but national analysts have the team addressing another position first.
The majority see one player as a perfect fit in red and gold, assuming they don’t trade down due to depth at that position.
So who will NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announce for the 49ers on April 25 in Nashville, Tenn.? Here’s a look at what analysts are predicting:
ESPN+
Updated April 3
Draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay have been known to take playful shots at each other as they discuss their predictions. However, in their first published joint mock this year, they are in lockstep on the first seven picks. For the 49ers, they like Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa.
According to his draft profile on NFL.com, Bosa is a “high-motor defensive end prospect possessing NFL play strength on a well-muscled, compact frame. ... His lack of fluidity in space could prevent him from becoming an elite rusher, but he understands how to play and should become an early starter and future Pro Bowler.”
Kiper: “The best pass-rusher in this class is a near lock to go in the first two picks. Could a team trade up to No. 2 to try to get him?”
McShay: “If Bosa is still in fact available, expect the Niners to either jump on the elite edge rusher or trade down, a possible scenario now that Dee Ford is in town.”
NFL.com
Updated April 2
The league’s official website provides mock drafts from multiple analysts. The latest to check in is Charles Davis, who also has Bosa as the 49ers’ selection.
Davis: “While he will be announced as a defensive end on draft day, I fully expect this expert technician with a motor that ‘redlines’ to do his share of damage as an inside rusher next to DeForest Buckner in sub packages.”
CBS Sports
Updated April 8
Like NFL.com, CBS Sports also offers mocks from multiple analysts. The latest to post is Ryan Wilson. He’s another tabbing Bosa as the 49ers’ choice.
Wilson: “This is the best-case scenario for the 49ers, who desperately need a pass rusher and get the best one in this class. Bosa is a game-changer from Day 1.”
USA Today
Updated April 1
It’s been a while since Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz has posted a mock. In this one, he has Bosa as the 49ers’ selection.
Middlehurst-Schwartz: “After trading for pass rusher Dee Ford and signing linebacker Kwon Alexander, John Lynch said the Niners can focus on drafting the best player available at No. 2. Good news for San Francisco: There’s likely a premier defensive talent awaiting them no matter what Arizona does with the top overall pick. A proven edge presence, Bosa shapes up as a boon for a defense in desperate need of reconfiguration.”
U-T San Diego
Updated April 3
Eddie Brown has the 49ers taking Bosa, assuming some team doesn’t give general manager John Lynch an offer he can’t refuse.
Brown: “My ‘spidey’ sense tells me this pick comes down to Bosa or Quinnen Williams unless GM John Lynch receives a ‘Godfather’ offer.”
Walter Football
Updated April 8
The site run by Walter Cherepinsky is updated more than just about any you’ll find. However, this time we check in with Charlie Campbell, who also writes on the site. He has Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams as San Francisco’s pick.
According to his draft profile on NFL.com, “Williams is an instant starter with Pro Bowl potential. ... His play strength is good, but his lack of mass and length will show up at times against NFL competition.”
Charlie Campbell: “Williams and DeForest Buckner could form a dynamite interior pass-rushing tandem with the newly acquired Dee Ford coming off the edge. Williams is very fast at the point of attack with the ability to fire a gap and cause havoc in the backfield. He would be a good fit as a three-technique in a 4-3 defense or as a five-technique in a 3-4. ... Williams’ game against LSU was one of the most impressive performances I’ve ever seen from a college defensive tackle, and he reminded me of Warren Sapp in that game.”
The Ringer
Updated April 1
Danny Kelly is on the fourth version of his mock, but his pick for San Francisco has not changed since last time. He’s sticking with Bosa.
Kelly: “Packs power, explosiveness and agility into a prototype pass rusher’s frame; he might just have more upside than his older brother (Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa).”
Bleacher Report
Updated April 6
Joe Tansey only gave detailed analysis for two teams in his mock: the Raiders and New York Giants. The rest of his take is a list of the 32 first-round picks. He has the 49ers taking Bosa.