Kiper re-grades 49ers’ 2018 draft, says team ‘will be much improved’ if Jimmy Garoppolo is healthy

ESPN analyst Mel Kiper re-graded the 2018 draft classes of all 32 NFL teams and feels general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan's second draft haul could result in a much-improved San Francisco 49ers team in 2019. Kiper initially gave Lynch and company a B- grade following last year's draft, and it improved slightly this year to a solid B.

Kiper initially liked the focus on protecting then-newly-signed franchise quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo by drafting Mike McGlinchey with the team's top pick. Of course, that meant the departure of Trent Brown to the New England Patriots. He spent one season there on a championship run before signing a mega-deal with the Oakland Raiders.

In McGlinchey, the 49ers have a long-term starter who fits the system and will likely one day replace veteran left tackle Joe Staley.

Kiper also sees second-round selection Dante Pettis, a wide receiver out of Washington, as another bright spot from the 2018 draft class. He finished his rookie campaign with 27 receptions for 467 yards and five touchdowns through 12 games and seven starts. What really impressed Kiper was his 17.3 yards per reception.

"He'll be a big part of [the 49ers'] attempt to bounce back in 2019," writes Kiper of Pettis.

San Francisco didn't foresee the loss of former first-round pick Reuben Foster but rookie linebacker Fred Warner's surprise season helped lessen the blow. The 49ers opened up their wallets to pay big for Foster's replacement this offseason by signing Kwon Alexander to a four-year deal worth up to $54 million.

"Seventh-round pick Richie James became the team's primary kick returner and had a touchdown," Kiper added. "Defensive backs D.J. Reed and Marcell Harris chipped in for a struggling defense."

Kiper believes that Lynch and Shanahan's 2018 draft class could pay dividends for the 49ers in 2019.

"If Garoppolo is healthy in 2019, the Niners will be much improved," Kiper declared.