The early portion of mock draft season is typically full of speculation and wild swings. Mocks become more refined once the combine hits and people start getting a better idea of what the prospects look like in terms of size and athleticism.

Things are pretty straightforward for the 49ers. They need help on the edge, and most mock drafts have them going that direction. Another option keeps arising though that doesn’t make as much sense.

Let’s take a look at some recently-published mock drafts and get an early glimpse at prospects the 49ers could be circling prior to the combine:

Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

It’s hard to imagine the 49ers skipping on Allen if Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa goes first. Allen is a rangy outside linebacker who can play standing up or with his hand in the dirt. He fits multiple positions in the 49ers defense, and his athleticism really shines on tape. Allen’s 17.0 sacks in 2018 will catch some eyeballs, but his workouts at the combine could make him an irresistible choice for the 49ers in April.

Here’s what the mocks sending Allen to San Francisco had to say:

Will Brinson, CBS Sports:

The 49ers have a pretty good roster for a team picking No. 2 overall, but they need help getting pressure off the edge, so they add Allen to a fairly formidable defense.

Mel Kiper, ESPN:

The 49ers took defensive linemen in the first round in three straight years (2015 to ’17), but DeForest Buckner is the only true star of the group. And none of those picks has the edge-rushing potential of Allen, who racked up 17 sacks for the Wildcats this season. If you’re talking about pure pass-rushing ability, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Allen is right up there with Bosa. San Francisco needs to add offensive weapons this offseason, but none is worth taking this high.

Dane Brugler, The Athletic:

Unfortunately for the Niners, they just miss out on Bosa to fill their glaring need at edge rusher, but Allen isn’t a bad consolation prize. Adding 20-plus pounds of muscle and expanding his pass rush repertoire as a senior, Allen was the most improved player I studied this season.