There is a lot to unpack here. Dane Brugler of The Athletic released his latest mock draft and predicted some movement for the San Francisco 49ers. The analyst has the New York Jets drafting their quarterback of the future — Zach Wilson of BYU — with the No. 2 overall pick. Then, he has San Francisco surrendering the No. 12 overall pick and a 2022 second-round selection to the New York Jets, moving down to No. 23 and getting quarterback Sam Darnold in return.
Jets receive: No. 12 overall pick, 2022 second-round pick
49ers receive: No. 23 overall pick, Sam Darnold
"For San Francisco, this deal is the equivalent of two second-round picks for a talented 23-year old quarterback with untapped skills," writes Brugler.
Of course, that would likely mean moving on from Jimmy Garoppolo, who could be traded for a draft pick or draft picks himself, assuming he approves of the destination. He has a no-trade clause for this year in his contract. New England, anyone?
"Darnold's got the size and athleticism to extend broken plays, the guts to attempt any sort of throw and the arm talent to complete those throws," wrote Matt Barrows of The Athletic in a separate feature. "The projection (by Brugler) is that under Shanahan, a talented passer like Darnold would have the success he didn't have in New York."
While Darnold has been more available than Garoppolo over the past three seasons (23 missed games by Garoppolo versus 10 by Darnold), Barrows doesn't necessarily see the Jets quarterback as an upgrade.
"In just about every other area, however, Garoppolo has been the better player," added Barrows. "In an era in which elite quarterbacks have completion percentages above 70 percent, Darnold's has been a lousy 59.6 percent over the last three seasons while Garoppolo's has been 67.5 percent.
"One of Garoppolo's shortcomings is that he throws too many interceptions, 26 (vs. 46 touchdowns) since becoming the 49ers starter in 2017 with a troubling 2.9 interception percentage. Darnold has been worse, throwing 39 interceptions (vs. 45 touchdowns) in three years with a 3.2 interception percentage. Some of Darnold's struggles can be attributed to the subpar cast around him. But he committed a lot of turnovers in college, too."
Back to the mock draft — With a quarterback in hand, what do the 49ers do at No. 23? They pick up some edge-rushing help by selecting defensive end Kwity Paye out of Michigan.
"San Francisco was able to address the quarterback position without completely dropping out of the first round," explained Brugler. "And with Paye still on the board, the 49ers add a player they might have considered if they stayed at No. 12. Although he is still a work-in-progress, Paye has the athletic traits and energy to be equally productive vs. the pass and the run."
Paye recorded 97 tackles, 23.5 tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks, a pass defensed, and a forced fumble in four seasons with the Wolverines. He had a career-high 6.5 sacks, 50 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss as a junior in 2019.
San Francisco has pass rusher Nick Bosa coming off an ACL injury, and veteran Dee Ford played just one game last season as he dealt with neck and back injuries.
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