San Francisco 49ers' Draft Strategy for 2024
The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for an active participation in the 2024 NFL Draft, with a total of 11 selections anticipated. This bounty of picks is a result of strategic maneuvers and compensatory gains, positioning the Niners to address key roster needs and enhance their squad depth.
Draft Details
The draft, which is set to take place from April 25 to 27, 2024, will see the 49ers potentially adding four compensatory picks to their arsenal. These additional selections come as a reward for the net losses incurred during the previous year's free-agent signing period. Although the team could have received another pick for the departure of Mike McGlinchey, this was negated when they acquired Javon Hargrave.
San Francisco holds its original picks through the first four rounds. Additionally, the team secured an extra fourth-round pick following the trade of Trey Lance to the Dallas Cowboys. As for their first-round slot, the Niners will be making a selection somewhere between the 29th and 32nd overall picks, with their final position hinging on the outcome of their NFC Championship showdown against the Detroit Lions.
The exit of Jimmy Garoppolo to the Las Vegas Raiders is expected to yield a third-round compensatory pick. Furthermore, the movements of Samson Ebukam to the Indianapolis Colts, Jimmie Ward to the Houston Texans, and Azeez Al-Shaair to the Tennessee Titans should collectively bring in two sixth-round picks. The 49ers also lodged a request for a special compensatory pick at the NFL trading deadline to account for the losses of DeMeco Ryans and Ran Carthon.
However, the 49ers' draft landscape isn't without its voids; they lack their own fifth and sixth-round picks. The fifth-round pick was part of the deal that brought Christian McCaffrey to the Bay Area, while the sixth-round selection, along with a seventh-rounder, was traded to Denver in exchange for Randy Gregory.
Team Needs
Looking ahead to the draft, the 49ers have identified several areas for improvement. A primary concern is bolstering the cornerback position, which has emerged as a critical need. In addition, the team is on the lookout for experienced talent to solidify the right side of their offensive line. Depth at the running back position is also under consideration, as the team aims to build a robust and dynamic ground game.
Potential Prospects
In addressing these needs, the 49ers have their sights set on a few collegiate standouts. Kamari Lassiter stands out as a potential draftee for the cornerback role. The offensive line could see reinforcements from prospects such as Layden Robinson and Xavier Truss, while Christian Jones is eyed as another viable candidate for tackle positions.
When it comes to running backs, the 49ers are looking at a mix of power and versatility. Kendall Milton, Cody Schrader, and Carson Steele are all being considered for their powerful downhill running styles. On the flip side, players like Dylan Laube, Trey Benson, and Bucky Irving offer versatile options in the backfield and could be available after the initial round of selections.
Conclusion
The San Francisco 49ers appear poised to make significant strides in the upcoming NFL Draft. With a plethora of picks at their disposal, including several compensatory selections, the team has the opportunity to fill gaps and enhance their roster strategically. By targeting key positions of need and considering a range of talented prospects, the Niners are laying the groundwork for a successful 2024 season and beyond.
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on the 49ers' front office to see how they leverage their draft capital. The decisions made during those three days in late April could very well shape the future trajectory of the franchise, with the hopes of returning to the pinnacle of NFL success firmly in their sights.