Kyler Murray’s rumored rise to the top of the Arizona Cardinals’ draft board could be a blessing for a 49ers team that would love to have Ohio State edge rusher Nick Bosa land at the No. 2 overall pick. Now Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins’ stock is starting to climb as he works out for and meets with teams. His desirability as a quarterback prospect could be a key factor in the 49ers’ draft plans.
Haskins had a positive meeting with the Giants according to Aditi Kinkhabwala of the NFL Network. He’s due to meet with four other teams ahead of the draft.
This opens the door for a slew of possibilities for San Francisco.
A trade back in the draft was a real possibility in the event Bosa goes No. 1 overall. It would be better value for the 49ers to then trade back and recoup assets while still snagging a top-end talent with their first pick. Cleveland traded back from No. 2 to No. 8 in 2016 and acquired three top-100 picks to do so. That’s the kind of move the 49ers would make if Bosa isn’t available and a team wants to trade up for Haskins or Murray.
It was difficult to envision exactly where that trade would come from and what the market for that pick might be without another quarterback high on draft boards. Haskins becoming a favorite of any of the teams he’s meeting with allows some potential trades to look more clear.
The Giants have two first-round picks at Nos. 6 and 17. It’s entirely feasible that the 49ers swap out their No. 2 selection for both of New York’s. The Raiders pick Nos. 4, 24 and 27. They may also be in the mix. Having more teams like Washington or Denver interested could drive up the asking price for the second pick as well.
This is all good news for San Francisco, which could find that the second pick is a prime spot in this year’s draft. Picking No. 2 gives Arizona a chance select a player other than Bosa. If he happens to go first, there are two quarterbacks who then fall to the second slot, and a host of teams interested in having them under center.
For a team possibly looking to move back, quarterbacks with rising draft stocks are key. The 49ers would benefit greatly from either one going first, or a team looking to unload a bevy of draft picks for the No. 2 selection. San Francisco emerges victorious either way, but Haskins entering the fray only puts them in a better spot.
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