What do you think of this haul?
Rather than look to the usual one-round mock drafts like usual, we found one that just goes and predicts all the San Francisco 49ers picks. Today’s mock draft comes from KNBR’s Brad Almquist, who did all the heavy lifting and made all six of the 49ers picks. No trades were done in this mock, but the 49ers got quite a haul and a good group of prospects.
For a quick overview, this is a balanced draft, with three picks on both sides of the ball. The thinking behind all of these picks makes sense as well. Yes, the 49ers get Nick Bosa, that is something we have gotten used to. We’ve also seen A.J. Brown in previous mocks as well. The others, well, let’s talk about them.
Round 1 – Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Round 2 – A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss
Round 3 – Chris Lindstrom, OL, Boston College
Round 4 – Darnell Savage, S, Maryland
Round 6 – Tim Ward, DE, Old Dominion
Round 6 – Josh Oliver, TE, San Jose State
Nick Bosa
Bosa is undoubtedly the most complete edge rusher in this class. He has held that title despite playing in three games, which were very productive, in 2018.
Pairing him at the big end spot, across from Dee Ford, the team’s new LEO, would put the 49ers defensive line in the conversation as one of the most talented in football. Using the No. 2 pick on a big end isn’t ideal, but when you have a longstanding problem like the 49ers’ pass-rush, and access to a sure thing like Bosa, you stockpile pass rushers.
What is there to say about Bosa that hasn’t been said? There’s no doubt that this could transform the 49ers defensive line. Furthermore, they have the linebacking group to (hopefully) back it up, provided Kwon Alexander can get healthy. Fred Warner and Alexander behind that line? Yikes. Sure, they could go get Quinnen Williams instead, and I have been warming up to the idea, but even if they get Williams, that’s still a beast of a line. Williams AND Buckner rushing fools? Whoever is on the edge will be having a free shot at the quarterback.
A.J. Brown
From a numbers perspective, Brown was among the best receivers in college football in each of his final two seasons at Ole Miss. He caught 75 passes for 1,252 yards and 11 touchdowns in his sophomore year. He was better his junior year, amassing 85 catches, 1320 yards (a school record), and six touchdowns.
He posted solid scores across the board during his Combine workout. He ran a 4.49 40-yard dash and lifted 19 bench reps. Brown didn’t participate in either the three-cone or 40-yard shuttle, drills the 49ers value. But he didn’t do anything to hurt his status as one of the draft’s top receivers — and seemingly a perfect fit at the 49ers’ Z position. They want a player who can make tough catches over the middle and open up the deep game. Brown is that guy.
I hadn’t watched much film on Brown and was riding the D.K. Metcalf hype to oblivion. Of course, this was the wrong route to go. Brown can go, and the 49ers would be a great offense for him to do said “going” in. That said, I don’t know if Brown makes it this far. He’s starting to get a lot of street cred and I wouldn’t be surprised if someone reaches in the first round to get him off the board. If he’s there at this point, I don’t know how the 49ers don’t pounce. Unless if a first-round tight end or safety has fallen or there’s a second round talent they are realllllly enamoured with.
Chris Lindstrom
Lindstrom — a 6-foot-4, 308-pounder who ran a 4.91 40-yard dash at the Combine — can play anywhere along the offensive line. He’s considered one of the most athletic offensive linemen in this year’s draft class. He started 36 games at right guard and 11 at right tackle during his Boston College career. He started all 12 games at right guard in 2018, earning AP third-team All-American and first-team All-ACC honors.
The 49ers don’t have much offensive line depth. They don’t have a backup offensive tackle with NFL experience, which is a concern. At a minimum, Lindstrom would immediately back up Staley and McGlinchey at the tackle spots, and he could also slot in at guard. Then, Lindstrom could replace McGlinchey at right tackle role in 2020, as McGlinchey succeeds Staley on the left side, should he not be re-signed if his contract expires.
I’ve been beating the point that the 49ers will need to get Joe Staley’s successor figured out, as tempting fate with another rookie playing the tackle position may be disastrous. Lindstrom does just that. He could also fill in at guard for the time being when/if one of the starters goes down. The thing that does concern me is he doesn’t have much experience at the left tackle position. Playing left is not the same as playing at right, and it’s going to be one or the other. McGlinchey has struggled at the left tackle position in college, so I am not sure if you’d want to move him.
If Lindstrom had more experience at left, I doubt he’d be this far down. If he can convert, this is a solid development piece for 2019 who will take over starting in 2020.
Darnell Savage
It doesn’t feel like the 49ers will use a high pick on a safety, considering their stockpile of options there. Adrian Colbert’s 2018 campaign, his first full season as a starter, was cut short to seven games. Rookie D.J. Reed never got consistent reps there. Antone Exum showed some flashes. Between the two safety positions, the 49ers cycled six players in and out in 2018. They believe capable players remain on the current roster.
Surprise! Another mid-round safety. It feels like the 49ers have 20 of these. While an early-round free safety is desirable, the 49ers still don’t know what they have with the current crop and getting one at this position might make better economical sense. Savage is intriguing and his versatility at nickel corner and free safety could make him the new Jimmie Ward in 2020 if the latter decides to go elsewhere once his one-year extension is up. Or he could be it in 2019 once the latter gets put on IR again.
Tim Ward
Have a good NFL career, Ward. Let’s see how you do against Kentavius Street
Josh Oliver
The 49ers coached Oliver in January at the Senior Bowl. He then ran a 4.63 40-yard dash, the third-fastest time among tight ends at the NFL Combine. Oliver projects as a pass-catcher who could benefit from the extra attention Kittle is sure to garner in two tight-end sets. Oliver’s run-blocking will have to improve to see consistent reps in the NFL.
Remember in 2017 when the 49ers got George Kittle? Oliver might or might not be a similar story. As the ending to the 49ers’ draft plans, Oliver would join the depth of tight ends behind Garrett Celek, and might supplant Celek in a year. Given that he doesn’t have much experience in the position, I’m reluctant to crown him as such, but Bruce Miller transferred from defensive end to fullback just fine in the pros, so it’s a possibility. He’s not much of a blocker and more of a pass catcher. This sounds good, but with Kittle’s presence, blocking is what many would expect out of him and if he can’t do that, he’ll have problems in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
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