It wouldn't shock anyone if the San Francisco 49ers executed a trade late in the first round of this week's draft. The team, after all, lacks another pick between its selection at No. 31 overall, and its next in the fifth round. That's a significant gap which, as of right now, has the 49ers sidelined during day-two action.
General manager John Lynch and company might not have difficulty shopping their second of two first-rounders, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
"Many teams are looking at San Francisco as a catalyst for movement late in the first round," writes Fowler.
*Eagles lurking
*Vikings, 49ers strong candidates to move back
*Why Jordan Love's 'special' traits could cause upheaval.Inside the trade rumblings for late-Round 1 picks: https://t.co/ZLaCe2XJlp
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 19, 2020
Why could the end of the first round be such a hot spot for movement? If you're a team looking for a quarterback, and you've already addressed a different need earlier, you may be enticed to move back into the first round. That's because selections there include manageable fifth-year options for players, whereas rookie deals in later rounds are limited to four years.
Fowler points to the Baltimore Ravens trading up to No. 32 to snag Lamar Jackson as an example from two years ago.
The 49ers could offer added motivation for another team to deal with them, too. They have players who might be able to contribute to other squads.
"If they want to get creative, the 49ers can include players in any deal," adds Fowler. "Running back Matt Breida is believed to be on the trading block as the odd man out in a crowded tailback crew (he would welcome the fresh start too), and wide receiver Marquise Goodwin still has elite speed, which holds value."
Multiple beat writers have speculated that one of the two, possibly both, might be moved this offseason. Doing so during the draft might give San Francisco the ammo it needs to pull off a trade and add draft equity.