The NFL draft is almost here. An updated final look at who the 49ers could call on
The NFL draft is almost here.
Its arrival this evening will give fans a live event to celebrate – something that hasn’t happened much in the sports world since the coronavirus caused the postponement or cancellation of several leagues and signature events worldwide.
Sure, the format is different this year due to social distancing, but if you’re a fan who likes to boo NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, you can do so for a good cause and he’ll likely still hear them.
When the first round kicks off, the 49ers will have two of the 32 opening-day picks: Nos. 13 and 31. Last week, a survey of national draft analysts had San Francisco in a two-man race for a wide receiver: Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy and Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb.
When the 49ers go on the clock for the first time today, the target position hasn’t changed in the eyes of analysts, but a new favorite has emerged: Henry Ruggs III, Jeudy’s teammate with the Crimson Tide.
Another former Alabama player is favored to be selected 31st: cornerback Trevon Diggs.
Assuming the 49ers don’t trade either pick in a bid to acquire more selections (San Francisco has no picks in rounds 2-4), here’s a final look at what national analysts think general manager John Lynch, coach Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers could do.
(Note: This story was updated Thursday morning, as several analysts finalized their picks.)
ESPN
13. Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver, Alabama
31. Antoine Winfield Jr., defensive back, Minnesota
13. Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver, Alabama
31. A.J. Terrell, cornerback, Clemson
NFL.com
13. Javon Kinlaw, defensive tackle, South Carolina
31. Trevon Diggs, cornerback, Alabama
13. Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver, Alabama
31. Ezra Cleveland, offensive tackle, Boise State
13. CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver, Oklahoma
31. Trevon Diggs, cornerback, Alabama
13. CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver, Oklahoma
31. Jaylon Johnson, cornerback, Utah
13. Justin Jefferson, wide receiver, LSU
31. Jeff Gladney, cornerback, TCU
13. Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver, Alabama
31. Ross Blacklock, defensive tackle, TCU
13. Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver, Alabama
31. Ezra Cleveland, offensive tackle, Boise State
13. Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver, Alabama
31. Pick traded
13. Pick traded
31. Austin Jackson, cornerback, Alabama
13. Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver, Alabama
31. Trevon Diggs, cornerback, Alabama
CBS Sports
Josh Edwards (Wednesday)
13. Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver, Alabama
31. Pick traded
Tom Fornelli (April 14)
13. CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver, Oklahoma
31. Noah Igbinoghene, cornerback, Auburn
13. CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver, Oklahoma
31. Jaylon Johnson, cornerback, Utah
13. Pick traded
31. Cesar Ruiz, center, Michigan
13. Javon Kinlaw, defensive tackle, South Carolina
31. Pick traded
13. Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver, Alabama
31. Josh Jones, offensive tackle, Houston
USA Today
13. Pick traded
31. Cesar Ruiz, center, Michigan
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (Thursday)
13. Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver, Alabama
31. Trevon Diggs, cornerback, Alabama
Sports Illustrated
13. Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver, Alabama
31. Pick traded
13. Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver, Alabama
31. Pick traded
Mark Morales-Smith (Wednesday)
13. CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver, Oklahoma
31. Neville Gallimore, defensive tackle, Oklahoma
13. CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver, Oklahoma
31. Trevon Diggs, cornerback, Alabama
Fox Sports
13. CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver, Oklahoma
31. A.J. Terrell, cornerback, Clemson
Bleacher Report
13. Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver, Alabama
31. Cesar Ruiz, center, Michigan
13. Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver, Alabama
31. Trevon Diggs, cornerback, Alabama
13. CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver, Oklahoma
31. Trevon Diggs, cornerback, Alabama
The Ringer
13. Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver, Alabama
31. Trevon Diggs, cornerback, Alabama
Walter Football
13. CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver, Oklahoma
31. Cesar Ruiz, center, Michigan
13. Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver, Alabama
31. Jeremy Chinn, safety, Southern Illinois
San Diego Union-Tribune
13. Henry Ruggs III, wide receiver, Alabama
31. Trevon Diggs, cornerback, Alabama
This story was originally published April 22, 2020 at 4:36 PM.