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Kyle Madson

Niners Wire mock draft 2.0: Can 49ers pass on OL in Round 1?

It’s time for another mock draft now that the first wave of free agency has subsided.

San Francisco hasn’t been super active in making big splashes, but they’ve filled out their roster with depth at some key spots and opened the door to go a couple different routes in the first round.

Given what their roster looks like two or three years down the road it might still behoove them to identify an offensive tackle in the first round and do what they have to do to acquire them. That could help in 2024 and beyond.

However, offensive tackle isn’t the only spot where the 49ers could use a long-term, cost-controlled starter. And if they can’t find a trade partner in the draft they might be in a position where selecting the best player available is better than reaching for a player just to fill their biggest need. That’s how we operated in this mock draft, which ran through the Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator.

Here’s a look at the selections:

Chicago Bears: Round 1, Pick 1 | QB Caleb Williams, USC

Jan 2, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) in action during the game between the USC Trojans and the Tulane Green Wave in the 2023 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The bigger question for the Bears is what the heck do they do with Justin Fields?

Washington Commanders: Round 1, Pick 2 | QB Jayden Daniels, LSU

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 25: Jayden Daniels #5 of the LSU Tigers celebrates after a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Tiger Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

The Commanders have been veteran-heavy in free agency, which may be helpful for Daniels’ development as a franchise signal caller.

New England Patriots: Round 1, Pick 3 | QB Drake Maye, UNC

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 28: Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks to pass against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

This is a layup for the Patriots, who appear poised to select whoever the best QB is that falls to them.

Round 1, Pick 4: Arizona Cardinals | WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 25: Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes makes a one handed catch next to Will Johnson #2 of the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Marquise Brown’s exit in free agency, the Rondale Moore trade and Arizona’s overall need for offensive playmakers all point to the Cardinals snagging the top wide receiver in this year’s class.

Round 1, Pick 5: Los Angeles Chargers | WR Rome Odunze, Washington

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) is unable to make a catch against the Michigan Wolverines during the third quarter in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Williams was a cap casualty, and the Chargers desperately need playmakers for Justin Herbert. They’ll sprint to the podium to take Odunze, who does everything a good receiver does and does it at a high level.

Round 1, Pick 6: New York Giants | WR Malik Nabers, LSU

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 25: Malik Nabers #8 of the LSU Tigers catches the ball for a touchdown as Demani Richardson #26 of the Texas A&M Aggies defends during the second half at Tiger Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

The Giants will probably feel lucky to have Nabers fall to them. He’s extremely explosive, and some analysts have him as WR1 on their boards.

Round 1, Pick 7: Tennessee Titans | OL Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Sep 3, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Zach Harrison (9) and Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (91) rush against Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Joe Alt (76) in the fourth quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Robertson-USA TODAY Sports

The Titans need to find a long-term answer at left tackle to keep Will Levis upright, and Alt is the very best OT prospect in a class that’s very deep at the position.

Round 1, Pick 8: Atlanta Falcons | DE Dallas Turner, Alabama

Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner (15) celebrates after a sack in the second quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons’ offense looks ready to blow up this season with QB Kirk Cousins taking over under center. Now they can add perhaps the best defensive player in this year’s class with the No. 8 overall pick.

Round 1, Pick 9: Chicago Bears | CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama

AUBURN, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 25: Rivaldo Fairweather #13 of the Auburn Tigers fails to pull in this reception as he is hit by Jihaad Campbell #30 and Terrion Arnold #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Chicago’s offense is starting to come together, which allows them to go with the best player available here. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Arnold, a rangy, physical corner with great ball skills is atop their board.

Round 1, Pick 10: New York Jets | OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State

Oct 8, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga (75) blocks Stanford Cardinal linebacker Levani Damuni (3) during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets have to protect Aaron Rodgers. If the Secret Service isn’t doing it, Fuaga certainly can. He’s one of the most pro-ready OL prospects in this draft and should be able to find a home at virtually any OL spot.

Round 1, Pick 11: Minnesota Vikings | QB JJ McCarthy, Michigan

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy runs the ball in the first quarter of the Fiesta Bowl vs. TCU on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

It’ll be a battle between Sam Darnold and McCarthy for the starting job in Minnesota. McCarthy isn’t as highly touted as the other QB prospects in this class, but he might have the best landing spot.

Round 1, Pick 12: Denver Broncos | TE Brock Bowers, Georgia

Nov 11, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers (19) runs after a catch against the Mississippi Rebels in the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

QB is definitely an option here as well, but Bowers will give whoever starts under center in Denver a big-time pass-catching option who can take easy, short throws and turn them into explosive plays.

Round 1, Pick 13: Las Vegas Raiders | OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State

Nov 4, 2023; College Park, Maryland, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu (74) celebrates after a first half touchdown against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Fashanu is a best-player-available selection for the Raiders. They have Kolton Miller at left tackle, but Fashanu has all the tools to either play right tackle or force Miller to move to the right side.

Round 1, Pick 14: New Orleans Saints | OL JC Latham, Alabama

Sep 4, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman JC Latham (65) blocks against the Miami Hurricanes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints should be able to pick a position to stick Latham and have a really high-quality player to keep Derek Carr clean and improve New Orleans’ run game.

Round 1, Pick 15: Indianapolis Colts | CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

Dec 2, 2023; Detroit, MI, USA; Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) breaks up a pass intended for Miami (OH) Redhawks wide receiver Gage Larvadain (10) in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

There’s such a heavy run on offensive players early in the draft, and the Colts benefit by getting maybe the best CB in this year’s class. Mitchell is a big, physical CB with superb athleticism. Don’t be surprised if this is your Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Round 1, Pick 16: Seattle Seahawks | DE Jared Verse, Florida State

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 2: Jared Verse #5 of the Florida State Seminoles hypes the crowd late in the fourth quarter against the Louisville Cardinals during the ACC Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 2, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)

Speaking of getting lucky that good defensive players are falling in this year’s draft, the Seahawks finally get a quality edge who should immediately be a three-down player in the NFL.

Round 1, Pick 17: Jacksonville Jaguars | DL Byron Murphy, Texas

MANHATTAN, KS – NOVEMBER 05: Defensive lineman Byron Murphy II #90 of the Texas Longhorns tackles running back DJ Giddens #31 of the Kansas State Wildcats during the second half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on November 05, 2022 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)

Jacksonville may have to pivot and go with a WR here after Calvin Ridley signed with the Titans, but Murphy would make a ton of sense alongside Josh Allen, Travon Walker and veteran Arik Armstead.

Round 1, Pick 18: Cincinnati Bengals | DE Laitatu Latu, UCLA

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 19: Laiatu Latu #15 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates after sacking Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans during the fourth quarter in the game at Rose Bowl on November 19, 2022 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Naturally the Bengals wind up with a steady, high-motor edge rusher who is already extremely well-rounded. Latu should slot in immediately as a productive player in a very good Bengals defense.

Round 1, Pick 19: Los Angeles Rams | CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa

IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 30: Defensive back Cooper DeJean #3 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs a punt return down the sideline during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Kinnick Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)

The Rams have done a nice job adding secondary help this offseason, and DeJean gives them a versatile cornerback/safety who brings elite athleticism and return skills.

Round 1, Pick 20: Pittsburgh Steelers | OT Troy Fautanu, Washington

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 19: Troy Fautanu #55 of the Washington Huskies in action during the first quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Husky Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Fautanu is a player the 49ers might try and trade up for if he falls to this spot. Pittsburgh may not be willing to do business though since they need to protect Russell Wilson, and Fautanu projects as a stellar prospect at either guard or tackle.

Round 1, Pick 21: Miami Dolphins | OT Amarius Mims, Georgia

Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Dolphins are all about speed, and Mims is an offensive lineman who shouldn’t have trouble keeping up. The only thing keeping him from going much higher is his lack of overall experience. Mims may be a project, but he has all the tools to be awesome.

Round 1, Pick 22: Philadelphia Eagles | WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (5) makes a touchdown catch over Washington cornerback Elijah Jackson during the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff semifinals game at the Caesars Superdome on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The catch would be the last touchdown for the Longhorns in the 31-37 loss to Washington.

Why not! Philadelphia could probably an injection of youth into its secondary, but Mitchell is a dynamic playmaker at WR who may just be a best-player-available choice for GM Howie Roseman.

Round 1, Pick 23: Minnesota Vikings | WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU

TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 01: Brian Thomas Jr. #11 of the LSU Tigers makes a catch during the ReliaQuest Bowl against the Wisconsin Badgers at Raymond James Stadium on January 01, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

The Vikings made a trade with the Texans to snag another pick in Round 1, and they use it wisely. Thomas is an outstanding WR prospect with excellent size and speed. He’ll fit in nicely with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

Round 1, Pick 24: Dallas Cowboys | CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 03: Nate Wiggins #20 of the Clemson Tigers runs for a touchdown after intercepting a North Carolina Tar Heels pass in the third quarter during the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium on December 03, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

Dallas is all-in on adding to its defense. Wiggins has a pretty slight frame, but his athleticism and ball skills are enough to make him an enticing first-round pick.

Round 1, Pick 25: Green Bay Packers | OL Graham Barton, Duke

Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils offensive lineman Graham Barton (62) before the game at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Packers get some protection for QB Jordan Love with Barton, who may wind up starting at multiple spots on the OL in his career. This is another player the 49ers could consider a trade up for.

Round 1, Pick 26: Tampa Bay Buccaneers | OL Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma

Oct 28, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Tyler Guyton (60) at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas Jayhawks during the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Yet another trade up candidate for the 49ers. The Bucs badly need OL help though and Guyton is a really good athlete who needs a little refinement. He has the size and athleticism to be a really good player down the road though.

Round 1, Pick 27: Arizona Cardinals | DL Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois

Oct 21, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton (4) tackles Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Instead of adding more on offense, the Cardinals opt to help out a defense that probably outplayed its talent last season. Newton is a disruptor in the middle of the defensive line who has the potential to be a three-down player in the NFL.

Round 1, Pick 28: Buffalo Bills | OL Jackson Powers-Johnson

Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

This is a really nice pickup for the Bills. Power-Johnson isn’t elite at anything, but he’s not particularly bad at anything either. He may not be a Pro Bowler, but he should be a starter at center or guard for a long time.

Round 1, Pick 29: Detroit Lions | DE Chop Robinson, Penn State

Penn State defensive end Chop Robinson (44) reacts after sacking Massachusetts quarterback Taisun Phommachanh in the first half of a NCAA football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in State College, Pa. The Nittany Lions won, 63-0.

The Lions are betting on their coaching here. Robinson has dynamite athleticism and an elite first step off the line. He needs to develop some counters as a pass rusher, but his speed and bend around the edge make him a really good prospect that should help Detroit’s defense.

Round 1, Pick 30: Baltimore Ravens | CB Ennis Rakestraw, Missouri

Sep 17, 2022; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive back Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (2) celebrates after an interception against the Abilene Christian Wildcats during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Rakestraw is First-Team All-Name in this draft. Combining that with landing in Baltimore, which always churns out good players, and Rakestraw feels like a can’t miss prospect.

Round 1, Pick 31: San Francisco 49ers | CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

Nov 4, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) celebrates after a missed field goal by LSU at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers forego their top need here and go with an instinctual, toolsy cornerback instead. McKinstry should step in and be a Day 1 starter in a secondary that still needs some long-term answers and depth at CB.

Round 1, Pick 32: Kansas City Chiefs | WR Troy Franklin, Oregon

TEMPE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 18: Wide receiver Troy Franklin #11 of the Oregon Ducks during the NCAAF game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium on November 18, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona. The Ducks defeated the Sun Devils 49-13. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Hooray. More weapons for Patrick Mahomes.

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