San Francisco 49ers' Draft Strategy Unveiled
As the NFL Draft approaches, the San Francisco 49ers are gearing up with a substantial arsenal of picks. The team is projected to have 11 selections in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, which is scheduled to take place from April 25-27.
The Niners are looking to bolster their squad through the draft, with an expected four compensatory picks added to their war chest. These additional selections come as a result of the net losses they suffered during the previous year's free-agent signing period.
In a twist of fate, the 49ers were on the cusp of gaining another pick following the departure of Mike McGlinchey. However, this potential boon was balanced out by their acquisition of Javon Hargrave, nullifying the extra draft pick.
San Francisco holds its original picks through the first four rounds, laying a solid foundation for their draft strategy. An extra pick in the fourth round comes courtesy of a trade that sent Trey Lance to the Dallas Cowboys, giving the Niners more leverage in the middle rounds.
Their first-round slot will be late in the order, between the 29th and 32nd overall picks. The exact position hinges on the outcome of their NFC Championship game showdown with the Detroit Lions.
The departure of Jimmy Garoppolo to the Las Vegas Raiders is anticipated to yield a third-round compensatory pick, while the loss of Samson Ebukam to the Indianapolis Colts should secure a fifth-round addition. Furthermore, the exits of Jimmie Ward to the Houston Texans and Azeez Al-Shaair to the Tennessee Titans are expected to contribute two sixth-round picks to the 49ers' draft capital.
In an unusual move, the 49ers have requested a special compensatory pick at the NFL trading deadline, citing the losses of DeMeco Ryans and Ran Carthon. It remains to be seen how the league will respond to this request.
Notably, the Niners do not possess their original picks in the fifth and sixth rounds. These were traded away — the fifth for Christian McCaffrey and the sixth, alongside a seventh-round pick, for Randy Gregory.
Addressing Team Needs
Looking ahead, the 49ers are poised to address key areas of need through their draft selections. A primary focus will be strengthening the cornerback position, which has emerged as a critical concern for the team.
Beyond the defensive backfield, there's a clear intention to add experienced talent to the right side of the offensive line. This approach suggests a commitment to fortify the trenches and ensure better protection and run-blocking capabilities.
Additionally, the team is exploring options to deepen their running back room. With a penchant for a robust ground game, the 49ers are keeping an eye out for powerful downhill runners as well as versatile backs who can contribute beyond just carrying the ball.
Eyeing Potential Picks
Several college prospects have caught the 49ers' attention as potential fits for their needs. Kamari Lassiter stands out as a promising candidate for the cornerback spot, bringing a blend of athleticism and football intelligence that could prove invaluable.
On the offensive line, prospects like Layden Robinson and Xavier Truss are under consideration. Both players offer the size and skill set required to make an immediate impact on the right side of the line.
Christian Jones is also in the mix as a potential mid-round pick for tackle positions, providing depth and competition for starting roles.
In the search for a dynamic running attack, the 49ers are evaluating several running backs. Kendall Milton, Cody Schrader, and Carson Steele are on the radar as physical runners capable of pounding the defense. Meanwhile, Dylan Laube, Trey Benson, and Bucky Irving present themselves as multifaceted backs with the versatility to thrive in San Francisco's offense.
With a strategic approach to the draft and a clear vision for addressing team needs, the San Francisco 49ers are well-positioned to make a significant impact in the 2024 NFL Draft. Their comprehensive selection of picks provides ample opportunity to infuse fresh talent into the roster and elevate the team's competitive edge for the upcoming season.