With the draft process rolling along and more information coming out about particular draft prospects, we’ve decided to update our list of players the 49ers could realistically trade up for in this year’s draft.
Our last list included players like Alabama offensive lineman JC Latham and Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu. It doesn’t look like either player will fall far enough to get in range of a 49ers trade up. We also included Oregon OL Jackson Powers-Johnson and Duke OL Graham Barton. Both of those players are certainly still on the table as trade-up candidates for San Francisco.
Let’s update the list though with four new candidates the 49ers could target in a move up in Round 1:
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Given the importance the 49ers place on their pass rush, it wouldn’t be a shock if they fell in love with Robinson and his electric first step. He’s incredibly explosive getting off the ball and his speed around the corner really jumps out on tape. Robinson might just be a rotational edge rusher in his first season and he’ll need to hone his pass rush arsenal to maximize his skill set. There’s a world where Robinson is a perennial double-digit-sack player and the 49ers could use a player like that on a rookie deal.
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Newton’s availability in the ‘trade up’ range for the 49ers is debatable, but it’s easy to see them falling in love with him as a player and moving up to snag him in the mid-20s. He’s a disruptive pass rusher who flashes enough in the run game to provide optimism he can be an every-down player in the NFL. Defensive tackle may be a spot the 49ers wait to address early in next year’s draft since they have some depth this year. However, Newton would be tough to pass on if he slides into a spot the 49ers can comfortably jump up to.
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The 49ers will almost always prioritize their defensive line which is why Robinson is the third defensive lineman to land on our list. He’s an edge defender, but at 6-5, 285 pounds it’s easy to see him kicking inside in the NFL to rush the passer from the interior. Robinson’s physical traits are pretty eye-popping, and it’s fun to imagine what he could look like under the guidance of 49ers defensive line coach Kris Kocurek. There’s a chance Robinson slides all the way to 31. If he does, expect the 49ers to jump at the opportunity to draft him.
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Mims may have the most upside of any offensive lineman in this class. His 6-8, 340-pound frame with his tremendous athleticism could be enticing to a team like San Francisco if they take more of a long view on him. Mims may or may not be able to step in and start at right tackle right away and his eight college starts are definitely a concern in terms of his immediate effectiveness. He should at least compete at RT though while developing as Trent Williams’ replacement down the road.
