San Francisco 49ers 2024 NFL Draft Preview
49ers' Draft Outlook: A Comprehensive Preview
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for a significant haul of new talent. The team is poised to make 11 selections during the draft event, which is slated for April 25-27. With an eye on both immediate impact players and long-term prospects, the 49ers' strategy could shape the franchise's future.
Compensatory Picks Bolstering Niners' Arsenal
The 49ers' draft capital is expected to include up to four compensatory picks, awarded due to the net losses incurred during the previous year's free-agent signing period. Although the team missed out on an additional pick that could have come from losing Mike McGlinchey, this was negated by the acquisition of Javon Hargrave.
San Francisco holds its original selections in the first four rounds, with an extra fourth-round pick arriving courtesy of a trade that sent Trey Lance to the Dallas Cowboys. The first-round pick for the Niners will fall between No. 29 and 32 overall, with their final position hinging on the outcome of a crucial NFC Championship game against the Detroit Lions.
Notable departures such as Jimmy Garoppolo's move to the Las Vegas Raiders and Samson Ebukam's transition to the Indianapolis Colts are likely to result in a third-round compensatory pick and a fifth-round selection, respectively. Additionally, the departures of Jimmie Ward to the Houston Texans and Azeez Al-Shaair to the Tennessee Titans are anticipated to yield two sixth-round picks.
In a unique turn of events, the 49ers have also requested a special compensatory pick at the NFL trading deadline, citing the losses of DeMeco Ryans and Ran Carthon. However, it's important to note that the Niners will be without their own picks in the fifth and sixth rounds, having traded them away in deals for Christian McCaffrey and Randy Gregory, respectively.
Identifying Team Needs
Looking ahead to the draft, the 49ers have identified several key areas to strengthen. The cornerback position stands out as a primary concern, with the team eager to bolster its defensive backfield. Additionally, the right side of the offensive line is in need of experienced reinforcements to ensure quarterback protection and effective run blocking.
The team is also contemplating adding depth to their running back group, seeking to complement their current roster with versatile and powerful options capable of enhancing their ground game.
Potential Prospects on the Radar
Several college standouts have caught the 49ers' attention as potential fits for their system. Kamari Lassiter is a name to watch for the cornerback spot, bringing a mix of athleticism and ball skills that could prove invaluable in the secondary.
For the offensive line, prospects like Layden Robinson and Xavier Truss offer promising talent and could be available when the Niners are on the clock. Christian Jones is another name in the mix, particularly for teams looking to shore up tackle positions in the middle rounds.
When it comes to running backs, the 49ers are evaluating a range of styles. Power runners such as Kendall Milton, Cody Schrader, and Carson Steele are on the radar for their downhill capabilities. Meanwhile, versatile backs like Dylan Laube, Trey Benson, and Bucky Irving offer skill sets that could thrive in San Francisco's dynamic offense, and they're expected to be available after the initial round of selections.
A Draft Shaping the Future
The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2024 NFL Draft with substantial opportunities to enhance their roster across various positions. Their collection of 11 picks, including compensatory selections, provides the flexibility to address immediate needs while also planning for the future. With strategic choices, the Niners can solidify their lineup and continue to contend in the competitive landscape of the NFL.
As the draft unfolds, all eyes will be on the decisions made by the 49ers' front office. The moves they make over those three days in April could very well set the stage for the next era of success in San Francisco football.