It's mock draft season, and the San Francisco 49ers have a few areas that must be addressed in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. Below are my projections for the team's selections, utilizing Pro Football Focus' mock draft simulator.
Round 1, Pick 31
Tyler Guyton - Right Tackle - Oklahoma
Although Guyton is raw, he has good footwork and power to dominate in pass protection and run blocking. In 2023, Guyton gave up zero sacks and 12 total pressures. He can play both left and right tackle.
Round 2, Pick 63
Christian Haynes - Right Guard- UCONN
Haynes is a powerful guard who moves off the ball quickly. He's only allowed 48 pressures in five seasons with the Huskies. Eight of the pressures were sacks. Haynes would be a day-one starter on the 49ers offensive line.
Round 3, Pick 94
Sedrick Van Pran - Center - Georgia
Sedrick Van Pran is my number two-ranked center in the draft. Van Pran was phenomenal in 2023, giving up zero sacks and 13 total pressures. Van Pran fits the zone run scheme like a glove and would be an upgrade over Jake Brendel. If Van Pran is available in the third, the 49ers must draft him as the center of the team's offensive line.
Round 3, Pick 98
Andru Phillips - Cornerback - Kentucky
Phillips was one of the premier cornerbacks at the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl. He is the true definition of a lockdown corner. In 2023, the 6'0" corner completed the season with 46 tackles, 23 stops, 6 PBUs, and a 67.2% reception rate. Phillips is versatile and can play both sides and in the slot.
Round 4, Pick 132
Cooper Beebe - Guard - Kansas State
Cooper Beebe is one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the draft. The 49ers particularly like the versatile ones, so he will get on the 49ers' radar if available in the middle of the draft. Beebe is 6'4" and 335 pounds. He allowed two sacks and nine total pressures in 2023. Although he played predominantly left guard, he can play on the right side. In 2023, Beebe played two games as the right tackle and allowed zero pressures. Beebe could be the next unicorn on the 49ers offensive line.
Round 5, Pick 176
AJ Barner - Tight End - Michigan
It's no secret that Shanahan and the crew like to scout Michigan players. With the 49ers possibly losing two tight ends to free agency, Charlie Woerner and Ross Dwelley, AJ Barner would be the perfect replacement for the two. Barner's ability to get open and catch is an excellent weapon for Brock Purdy to rely on. What makes Barner the 49ers type is his ability to block in the run game.
Round 6, Pick 209
Frank Gore Jr. - Running Back - Southern Mississippi
Although this may be one of the fan favorites, Gore Jr. is a great zone running back. The 49ers need to get back to dominating outside the zone, and Gore Jr. would be a great addition to the running backs. Gore Jr. completed the season with 1,119 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry and ten touchdowns. He also had 31 explosive runs on the season. I don't see how Gore Jr. falls to the sixth round, but if he does, the 49ers should snatch him up.
Round 6, Pick 214
Joshua Cephus - Wide Receiver - UTSA
The 6'3" wideout is something the 49ers could use in their arsenal. Cephus finished the 2023 season with 89 receptions, 1,151 yards, averaged 12.9 yards per reception, and ten touchdowns. Cephus recorded only one drop on the season. He is most dangerous in yards after the catch and finished the season with 641 yards after the catch. The 49ers could use another dangerous weapon, especially in the short passing game, where Cephus is most dangerous.
Round 6, Pick 215
Solomon Byrd - Edge - USC
The 49ers need to add more speed off the edge. Bryd has a quick get-off and can get around the tackle to get to the quarterback. Byrd completed the 2023 season with 41 total pressures and seven total sacks. What's most impressive is his ability to contain on the edge. Byrd had a total of 33 tackles, with 31 of them being stops in the backfield.
Round 7, Pick 241
Taulia Tagovailoa - Quarterback - Maryland
Kyle Shanahan loves competition, so it only makes sense for the 49ers to add competition at the quarterback position. With Purdy owning two more years in his rookie deal, there's no doubt that the 49ers believe in him, but Tagovailoa is a kid who can do all the things Brock does with a stronger arm and quicker feet to run. Tagovailoa completed the season with 3,386 yards, 7.7 yards per attempt, 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He completed 66% percent of his passes. If the 49ers draft a quarterback, Taulia Tagovailoa is their guy.
In conclusion, the 49ers have some needs to address, and with 11 total picks, they should do just fine. Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts on my first mock draft of the season.