We continue the 2020 NFL Draft War Room Series. After already hitting the Chiefs, the 49ers are next on the docket. What will the 49ers do when the 2020 NFL Draft comes? This feels like a year that can change the course of history for the franchise. With so much young talent, one more good draft can put this team over the top. Let’s go over what the 49ers can do for the draft.
The DeForest Buckner trade feels like the best place to start. San Fran made this trade for two reasons. A: They couldn’t pay Buckner after re-upping Arik Armstead. Nick Bosa will need his check soonish too. B: The 49ers were missing 2nd, 3rd, and 4th round picks. Acquiring the 13th pick in the draft does a lot to counteract that.
San Francisco has some options. A true number one receiver would look good to pair with Deebo Samuel. Jerry Jeudy or CeeDee Lamb could be on the board. Replacing Bucker could be an option too. Derrick Brown or Javon Kinlaw would be fantastic. What might be the best option? Trading down and collecting more future assets. For a team like this, trading down and making sure this run lasts a long time would probably be the best course of action.
At 31, trying to nab a safety would be smart if available. Jaquiski Tartt and Jimmie Ward are fine but they aren’t game changers. San Fran really has never fully replaced what Eric Reid gave them. Why not go back to the LSU well? Grant Delpit would give San Francisco a true centerfielder. With the pass rush they generate, beefing up the coverage unit makes sense.
With the 49ers missing so many picks in the middle rounds, it feels like trades are coming. The 49ers are a young team with a lot of talent. One more good draft and San Francisco could be the next team that hoists up the Lombardi Trophy.
