We’re taking a look at prospects the 49ers could target in the 2019 NFL Draft.

General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan enter into Year 3 at the helm of the San Francisco 49ers. The team holds the second-overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft after finishing 2018 with a 4-12 record. Despite an active free agency, the 49ers’ roster is still in need of upgrades at several key positions. In this series, we’ll be taking a look at prospects that could be on the 49ers’ radar throughout the draft beginning on April 25.

Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa has been widely regarded as the draft’s top player throughout the offseason. With the Cardinals picking first, it was a long-standing assumption that Bosa was headed to Arizona. It wasn’t until rumors picked up regarding their interest in Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray that it seemed the 49ers may have a chance at Bosa. For now, that’s where draft analysts are leaning, making Bosa the player most commonly mocked to San Francisco.

Good

Bosa possesses a refined skillset that projects well at the next level. His combination of athleticism, motor and technique would give the 49ers another Pro Bowl-caliber pass rusher along with Dee Ford. At the NFL Combine, Bosa ran a 1.55 10-yard split, showcasing his elite burst. For context, that time is faster than both Von Miller (1.59) and Jadeveon Clowney (1.59), two of the NFL’s best, most explosive pass rushers. Coupled with the interior pressure of DeForest Buckner, the 49ers’ defense would now possess the ability to collapse the pocket from all sides – an invaluable asset in today’s NFL.

Bad

Bosa has suffered two season-ending injuries so far in his football career. He tore his ACL as a senior in high school and his 2018 season at Ohio State was cut short after three games due to a core injury. Bosa did not return to the field, opting to give himself time to fully recover from the injury and begin preparing for the NFL Combine. Two significant injuries in a span of four years is worth noting, although hasn’t been enough to drop his stock.

Fit

There is zero question regarding Bosa’s fit in the 49ers’ 4-3 defense. He has the ability to play on both ends of the defensive line In base downs and sub-packages. Bosa’s unique play strength and leverage would also allow the 49ers to slide him inside to take advantage of a particular matchup or protection.

Projection

It’s highly unlikely Bosa slides outside of the Top 3 selections. If the 49ers want him, they’ll have to pick Bosa at two.

Why

This one’s simple: Bosa is the draft’s best player at the 49ers’ biggest need. Ford’s contract, despite being labeled as five years, is more of a one-year trial run to ensure he maintain his pace set in 2018. Bosa would give the 49ers a long-term solution at pass rusher. He’s a blue-chip prospect with 10+ sack potential, even as a rookie. The 49ers would be lucky to have Bosa fall into their laps should the Cardinals go with Murray. Don’t overthink this one, Lynch.