Is it too early to start looking at the 2021 NFL Draft, and where the San Francisco 49ers stand? The team's playoff chances diminished following its 34-24 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday night.
At 0-12, the New York Jets are poised to earn the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Cincinnati Bengals owning the spots behind them.
The 49ers, at 5-7, are currently projected to select at No. 14 overall based on record and the strength-of-schedule from the entire 16-game schedule (not if the season ended today).
Below is the projected draft order through Week 13 and using the strength-of-schedule from the entire season. Only the top 18 spots are listed below as the remainder will be based on the outcome of the playoffs.
TEAM, RECORD, STRENGTH-OF-SCHEDULE
- New York Jets, 0-12, .599
- Jacksonville Jaguars, 1-11, .549
- Cincinnati Bengals, 2-9-1, .534
- Dallas Cowboys, 3-9, .487
- Los Angeles Chargers, 3-9, .497
- Philadelphia Eagles, 3-8-1, .529
- Carolina Panthers, 4-8, .536
- Atlanta Falcons, 4-8, .536
- Miami Dolphins (via Houston Texans), 4-8, .549
- Denver Broncos, 4-8, .568
- Washington Football Team, 5-7, .461
- Detroit Lions, 5-7, .505
- Chicago Bears, 5-7, .516
- San Francisco 49ers, 5-7, .534
- Arizona Cardinals, 6-6, .471
- New England Patriots, 6-6, .505
- Baltimore Ravens, 7-5, .518
- Oakland Raiders, 7-5, .526
The following is a list of the potential eight selections the 49ers might own next year before compensatory picks are factored in. The word "potential" is being used because the fifth-round selection obtained from the trade that sent Kwon Alexander to the New Orleans Saints in a conditional one based on the linebacker's playing time. It could turn into a 2022 draft pick, leaving San Francisco with seven selections.
The 49ers traded away their third-round pick for offensive tackle Trent Williams and obtained a seventh-round pick from the New York Jets during the trade for defensive end Jordan Willis.
- 1st round, No. 14 overall
- 2nd round, No. 45 overall
- 4th round, No. 107 overall
- 5th round, No. 142 overall
- 5th round, No. 159 overall (from NO)
- 6th round, No. 173 overall
- 7th round, No. 193 overall (from NYJ)
- 7th round, No. 204 overall