The 49ers trading back up into the first round of the 2019 NFL draft isn’t out of the realm of possibilities. In fact, history says it’s likely given that it’s a move they’ve executed in two of the last three years. They’ve jumped into the late 20s and early 30s, but in a Sports Illustrated mock, San Francisco flies all the way up to No. 20 to grab LSU cornerback Greedy Williams with an additional Round 1 selection.
This trade up with the Pittsburgh Steelers is worth analyzing in two parts. First, is the trade itself. Then there’s the actual selection.
It’s hard to imagine them parting with the draft capital that would move them from No. 36 to No. 20, but the compensation isn’t bad in this mock. San Francisco gives up pick Nos. 36, 67 and a 2020 sixth-round pick. They receive No. 20 and No. 141 – Pittsburgh’s fifth-round choice.
The issue here is that San Francisco picks at 20, then doesn’t pick again until the fourth round where they own the No. 105 pick. It’s likely they’d make another maneuver to get into the third round to find a receiver or a safety.
The other aspect of this trade to consider is the Williams pick. San Francisco gives up a second and third-round pick in 2019 to slide up 16 spots to pick a cornerback. Corner is probably fourth or fifth on their list of needs with Richard Sherman, Ahkello Witherspoon and Tarvarius Moore set to compete for the two outside jobs this season.
If the 49ers do invest early in a corner though, Williams is the type of player who would thrive in their defense. He checked in at 6-2, 198 at the combine and ran a scorching 4.37 in the 40-yard dash. His tape is a little odd because his size is apparent, but he moves like a smaller corner.
Williams is physical with receivers, and should learn a lot from being around a player like Richard Sherman who is so good at using his hands and being physical without getting flagged. The two-year starter for LSU posted eight interceptions and 20 pass breakups in his only two college seasons.
Overall the move up is big swing, and lands the 49ers another top talent to pair with Nick Bosa, who they took No. 2 overall. However, it’s a steep price to pay to address a position that isn’t among their top three needs. If the 49ers do indeed make a jump up to the end of the first round, expect them to scoop up a receiver or safety to check off one of their top needs.
About the Author: Insidethe49
