NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter released his first mock draft of the offseason, and it covers the first three rounds. The San Francisco 49ers own three selections during those rounds — their own in rounds one and two and a compensatory selection they will receive after Robert Saleh was hired to be the New York Jets' head coach.
Reuter has the 49ers addressing three areas of need — none of which are quarterback, by the way — with their first three selections. For those wondering, he has the top four rookie quarterback prospects — Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, and Trey Lance — all long gone by the time San Francisco selects at No. 12.
With the 49ers' top pick, Reuter has general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan bolstering what could become a depleted cornerback group. The analyst has San Francisco adding cornerback Caleb Farley of Virginia Tech.
"Starting corners Richard Sherman and Jason Verrett will be free agents in March," wrote Reuter. "Farley's versatility would allow the 49ers to play him outside or at safety if they require help there in the future."
Farley (6-2, 207) recorded 20 tackles, four interceptions, a touchdown, and 12 passes defensed through 10 games as a sophomore in 2019.
Reuter has the 49ers adding some offensive line help in Round 2 with the selection of center Josh Myers of Ohio State (6-5, 312). Weston Richburg was penciled in as San Francisco's starting center but didn't play this past season as he continued recovering from the torn patellar tendon suffered in 2019. Ben Garland attempted to fill in for Richburg but played in just five games before landing on injured reserve with a calf strain.
San Francisco adds some pass-rush help in Round 3 of the mock draft, selecting Payton Turner of Houston. The 49ers lost Nick Bosa to an ACL injury during Week 2, and Dee Ford appeared in just one game this past season. Arik Armstead led the team with 10 sacks in 2019 but got to opposing quarterbacks just 3.5 times in 2020.
Turner (6-6, 270) recorded 25 tackles, 10.5 for a loss, five sacks, and a forced fumble through five games with the Cougars last season.