We can now admit that the NFL Draft is days away:
It’s not as fun as last season.
The 49ers’ first pick won’t come until day two, and if they do have a first round pick on Thursday, it’s likely because they just took out Deebo Samuel, who was the team’s 2021 offense.
For a team likely to draft a lot of linemen and depth players, this draft definitely lacks the zeal of last year’s quarterback draft.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun.
There is anything but consensus on what the Niners will do in this draft, but here are my best guesses on what will happen when San Francisco is on the clock:
49ers trade Nos. 61 and 93 for Chicago
Round 2 pick #48:
Jalen Pitre, Safe, Baylor
» The 49ers still need something to protect the ball. The top two priorities should be solid security and nickel.
So in this scenario, the 49ers move two draft picks to get one player who can do both jobs.
Pitre is the kind of player who can line up anywhere. A willing and capable tackler who has put in some serious hitting as an rim rusher and a hawk with incredible backfield spotting skills, Pitre is a player who defies definition and makes something happen at every snap. Take him to the field and reap the rewards.
Round 3 pick #105:
DeAngelo Malone, EDGE, Western Kentucky
He is a little short and a little skinny, but this guy has a crazy explosion off the line and more than expected strength for his body. He’s 15 pounds short of strength, but at the same time, he’s great for Kochurek’s “no brakes” defensive line.
Round 4 pick #134:
Donovan West, C, Arizona State
The spot was previously held by one of my favorite players in this draft, Wake Forest tackle Zach Tom, but with a not-so-subtle hint from John Lynch on Monday that Alex Mack will soon announce his retirement, the Niners need a new man in the middle has the edge. .
West hasn’t gone off the charts and may have trouble with powerful defensive tackles, but he’s a smart player who moves gracefully down the line. It’s great for the 49ers wide range system.
His wrestling experience in high school (essential to me for inside offensive linemen) comes through in his handiwork. West never had a college retention penalty, and flags of any kind were exceptionally rare.
This is a good class for centers. In other drafts, West could have gone off the board in the top 100. The nines were a little lucky, and they found their center of the present and future here.
Round 5 pick #172:
Matt Araiza, P, San Diego State
“I think Araiza, compared to his peers in his position, is the best player in this draft. He could come into the league and immediately become the best player in his position.
What other player in this draft could do the same?
Because he screamed out loud, his nickname is God of the Punt. He is by far the best player in the draft since Michael Dixon in 2018.
Yes, he will be better than Mitch Wisnowski.
And while it’s not a “need” for the 49ers, it’s undoubtedly a great opportunity for the Niners to continue to improve their special teams this offseason – a priority for the team.
My only concern is that he might not be at 172 pounds. I would legally pick it in the top 100 – that’s how good it is.
I was assured that it should be available in that range, so here it is.
Round 6 pick #187:
Daniel Bellinger, TE, San Diego State
» Bellinger is a true blocking tight end who can help take some of the pressure off George Kittle, who had to take too many snaps in line last season to help the Niners handle the ball.
Bellinger is reasonably athletic, but by no means quirky. He has shown great catching skills for the Aztecs and his strength makes him a real threat for post-catch yards, but he will need to be planned open to be an all-around tight end. It’s just that TE1 doesn’t have many advantages.
But that’s okay, because he’s an outstanding TE2 for a team that’s been missing him for years.
Round 6 pick #220:
Matt Walecko, OT, North Dakota
He’s a project – there’s no doubt about it – but Valecko has the size and athleticism that can’t be taught.
At 6’7″ and 312 pounds, Walecko ran 40 yards in 5.03 seconds with an incredible 10-yard lead in 1.7 seconds. His 9ft 5in long jump was also taped – he breaks out of line. He has such long arms that he will never be defeated. His playing strength needs work, but the Niners will likely have the opportunity to give him time.
I feel it is worth the wait.
The Niners trade the 221st pick to Denver for a 2023 sixth-round pick.
Round 7 pick #262:
Jason Poe, OG, Mercer
He’s not a complete player at all, but Poe can move in ways that a 300-pound man just shouldn’t.
Picking him here gives the 49ers a little more time to turn Poe into a true offensive lineman, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Kyle Shanahan found a way to turn Poe – a former quarterback – into a gadget player in the Niners’ running game in 2022.