San Francisco 49ers' Strategy for the 2024 NFL Draft
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, scheduled for April 25-27, the San Francisco 49ers are preparing to make a significant impact with their 11 expected selections. The team's strategy is taking shape, and there is anticipation around how they will utilize their picks to bolster their roster.
Compensatory Picks and Trades
The 49ers are in line to receive up to four compensatory picks due to the net losses incurred during the previous year's free-agent signing period. While they could have received an additional pick from losing Mike McGlinchey, this was negated by the acquisition of Javon Hargrave. Notably, the team has retained its own selections in the first four rounds of the draft.
An intriguing addition to their draft arsenal comes from a trade involving former quarterback Trey Lance, who was moved to the Dallas Cowboys, resulting in an extra fourth-round pick for the Niners. As for their first-round selection, it will be between No. 29 and 32 overall, with the exact position contingent on the outcome of their NFC Championship game against the Detroit Lions.
Compensatory picks are also likely to come from the departures of key players. Jimmy Garoppolo's move to the Las Vegas Raiders is expected to yield a third-round pick, while Samson Ebukam's transition to the Indianapolis Colts should bring a fifth-round selection. Additionally, two sixth-round picks are anticipated as compensation for Jimmie Ward joining the Houston Texans and Azeez Al-Shaair moving to the Tennessee Titans.
In a unique turn of events, the 49ers requested a special compensatory pick at the NFL trading deadline, citing the losses of DeMeco Ryans and Ran Carthon. However, they will not have their own picks in the fifth and sixth rounds due to trades that brought Christian McCaffrey and Randy Gregory to the team, respectively.
Addressing Team Needs
Looking ahead to the draft, the 49ers have identified several areas in need of reinforcement. A primary concern is the cornerback position, which the team aims to strengthen. Additionally, there is a desire to add experienced players to the right side of the offensive line. Depth at the running back position is also under consideration, potentially adding more dynamic options to the team's ground game.
Potential Prospects
Kamari Lassiter stands out as a potential candidate to address the need at cornerback. For the offensive line, prospects such as Layden Robinson and Xavier Truss are being considered, along with Christian Jones, who could provide versatility at tackle positions. When it comes to the running back corps, the 49ers are looking at powerful downhill runners like Kendall Milton, Cody Schrader, and Carson Steele. For more versatile backfield options, Dylan Laube, Trey Benson, and Bucky Irving are names that could be called after the first round.
With a comprehensive plan in place, the San Francisco 49ers appear poised to navigate the 2024 NFL Draft with precision. By securing compensatory picks and executing strategic trades, the team has positioned itself to address key needs while also building for the future. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the 49ers make their selections, shaping the team's trajectory for the upcoming season and beyond.