The April 26 start of the NFL draft is almost exactly a month away. Teams are sprawling to attend college pro days in the mean time, trying to answer lingering questions about the prospects as they continue to work out. The 49ers hold a top-10 selection for the third year in a row and are still rebuilding a roster that looks far different than just a year ago.

John Lynch and his team are in a desirable spot with a handful of high-level prospects expected to be available at No. 9 overall – and the potential to trade back to acquire more picks. The roster is more solidified than last year and a well-prepared draft strategy can be the difference between picking in the top-10 again or pushing for the playoffs.

While mock drafts often ignore the human element to 32 general managers making decisions under pressure, it’s important to examine the various ways the 49ers can approach their options and break down different prospects fit.

Our four-round mock 6.0 lands an impact starter and elite prospect on defense before addressing the offensive depth at skill positions in the mid-rounds.

Round 1 (pick 9) | Bradley Chubb | DL | North Carolina State

Chubb is one of the best defenders in this entire draft. Four quarterbacks went in the first five picks in this projection. If that’s how it plays out, there will be plenty of elite prospects on the board when the Indianapolis Colts pick sixth overall with needs at linebacker and offensive guard. It’s unlikely, but the 49ers can’t be ruled out of the Chubb sweepstakes entirely.

(Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Chubb (6-4, 269) is the premiere pass-rusher in this draft class. He’s explosive, relentless and shows the varied technique that will make him a starter the moment he joins a team. Chubb would fit the mold of a edge rushing defensive lineman the 49ers have needed since Aldon Smith’s release in 2015. There’s no need to hope for breakout years from veterans on the roster when Chubb becomes the starting LEO in training camp. He can play all three downs. 

Here are the first eight picks in our simulation with Chubb falling to No. 9 overall:

1) Cleveland – Sam Darnold, QB (USC)
2) New York Giants – Josh Rosen, QB (UCLA)
3) New York Jets (via Colts) – Baker Mayfield, QB (Oklahoma)
4) Cleveland – Saquon Barkley, RB (Penn State)
5) Denver – Josh Allen, QB (Wyoming)
6) Indianapolis – Roquan Smith, LB (Georgia)
7) Tampa Bay – Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB (Alabama)
8) Chicago – Quenton Nelson, G (Notre Dame)