One near-certainty for the upcoming draft is that the San Francisco 49ers will select a wide receiver for the 18th consecutive season. There is also a possibility that the team will try to find a replacement for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner — or at least some depth for the interior of the defensive line.
The 49ers traded Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts for the No. 13 overall pick. While most mock drafts have San Francisco adding a receiver with that selection, the first of two first-round picks, some have the team adding some defensive line help.
Sam Monson, an analyst with Pro Football Focus, feels trying to replace Buckner with that first selection would be a mistake, though, and explained why on Wednesday during a KNBR interview.
"I've never understood the idea of trading away a player, and then immediately replacing him with the draft pick that you got for trading him," Monson told Mark Willard. "... Any time that you have to replace a guy with the draft pick that you get for trading him away, it's just not a good move. I understand that it's cheaper — the rookie will be on less money — but the money that you pay the veteran is worth the insurance for the [risk] that you're not very good at drafting."
So what position does Monson feel the 49ers should target with the No. 13 overall pick? He, like most, feels the team should try to land a receiver.
"I think they're in a really good spot to get value at the wide receiver position," Monson continued. "I'm not against the trading away of DeForest Buckner move, generally. I think it's actually quite a smart move, but only if you don't replace him with that pick. I think they can get by without DeForest Buckner. I think they've been stockpiling guys that can play in that position for a number of years, and they're able to get by next season without him there."
So, which receiver fits best for the 49ers at No. 13? Monson is a big fan of former Alabama receiver Jerry Jeudy and feels he is the most talented wideout available in this draft class. Monson also feels overthinking by some NFL teams may lead to a slight drop for the incoming rookie — possibly into the teens.
"I think you're going to see a lot of people start to talk themselves out of Jerry Jeudy," said Monson, "and he could potentially slide all the way to 13. And if that happens, I think that's about the best possible pick that could manifest itself for the 49ers."
Monson also notes that he likes CeeDee Lamb of Oklahoma, too. He envisions Jeudy finding more success "right out of the gate," but Lamb might have a higher ceiling.
"If you want to go for a sure thing, I think what Jerry Jeudy does well is just too good to not translate to the NFL," Monson adds. "But if you want a superstar, I think Lamb is the guy that does more things to a really high level."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Monson below.
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