Add ESPN’s Todd McShay to the growing number of draft experts rolling with the rumor that the Cardinals will draft Kyler Murray first overall. His post-combine mock draft sent the Heisman Trophy winner to Arizona, leaving the draft’s top edge rusher, Nick Bosa, to the 49ers.
It’s reaching the point where it feels more like Murray will go first more than it feels like he won’t. Still, the rumors are largely unsubstantiated and picked up steam during a week at the combine.
On the other hand, the fact they’re so prevalent in mock drafts by some of the most respected football writers means the rumors have legs even if they’re not quite walking yet.
This is all good news for the 49ers who’ll eagerly await news on whether Bosa falls to them at the No. 2 selection. McShay wrote that Bosa will immediately become an impact player for San Francisco:
The Niners will be hunting for pass-rushers this offseason, and getting the best overall player in the class at No. 2 would be a fantastic start. Bosa has length, speed and power from the edge, and it’s fathomable that the Buckeye paces San Francisco’s defensive line in sacks as a rookie. He’s that good.
Bosa leading the club in sacks would be the best outcome for the 49ers – especially if DeForest Buckner backs up his 12-sack season with another double-digit effort.
There aren’t many positions on the football field that have as big an impact as pass rushers off the edge. Getting the best one and having him produce at a high level right away is an ideal scenario that could quickly turn the 49ers into contenders.
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