It's mock draft season, and the San Francisco 49ers have a few areas that must be addressed in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. Here is my mock draft 2.0 via the Pro Football Network Mock Draft simulator.
Round 1, Pick 31
Tyler Guyton, RT, Oklahoma
Tyler Guyton is raw, but his athleticism and measurables put him at the top of my list. He is 6'8" 322 lbs with 34 1/8' arms and 10 1/4" hands. Guyton played 663 snaps at the right tackle position, allowing 12 pressures (0 Sacks, 3 hits, 9 hurries). He began his career on the left side of the offensive line before being moved to the right side in 2023. If drafted by the 49ers, Guyton will have the best mentor in the NFL, Trent Williams, in his corner.
Round 2, Pick 63
Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington
Bralen Trice lists 6'3 1/2", 245 lbs, 32 1/2' arms and 9' hands. The characteristic that makes Trice stand out is his relentless motor from the outside. He's not the fastest player on the edge, but he successfully knows how to get to the quarterback.
In 2023, Trice generated 80 total pressures (8 sacks, 19 hits, and 53 hurries). He also racked up 33 solo tackles with 29 Stops in the backfield. Trice could be an excellent complementary piece to the 49ers defensive front.
Round 3, Pick 94
Braden Fisk, DT, Florida State
Braden Fiske is known for his relentless motor and, more importantly, his get-off. He has the athleticism and speed to rush the quarterback. Fiske is not just a pass-rushing tackle. Of his 29 total tackles, 26 were stops. Fiske lists 6'4", 292 lbs, with 31" arms and 9 3/8" hands. Fiske, lined up next to Javon Hargrave, could be an unstoppable force for the 49ers in 2024.
Round 3, Pick 98
Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
Mike Sainristil is a natural-born leader among men. He was the leader in Michigan's locker room, and the players gravitated toward him as they sought his guidance. Although Sainristil is small in size, he plays big. The 49ers could draft Sainristil and immediately upgrade the competition at the nickel-back position.
In 2023, Sainristil played 684 snaps (151 outside, 106 as safety, and 24 on the defensive line.) He was targeted 50 times and allowed 29 receptions for four touchdowns. He also finished the 2023 season with six interceptions and six pass breakups. Sainristil's versatility screams the 49ers.
Round 4, Pick 125
Christian Mahogany, RG, Boston College
Christian Mahogany lists 6'3", 314 lbs, with 33 1/2" arms and 10 1/2" hands. The film on Mahogany is mean, and the 49ers' offensive line could use a jolt of mean aggressiveness from Mahogany. In 2023, he allowed seven pressures, all quarterback hurries. With the offensive line-heavy draft, the 49ers could upgrade that group by selecting the right pieces that fit the zone/power head coach Kyle Shanahan likes to run. Mahogany is a mean brother from outer space, and he's bad.
Round 4, Pick 132
Jared Wliey, TE, TCU
Although the 49ers drafted two tight ends, Cameron Latu and Brayden Willis, in the 2023 draft, it would make sense to draft another tight end to keep the room strong. The 49ers might lose two tight ends, Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner, in free agency. Jared Wiley lists 6'6", 249 lbs, with 33 1/4" arms and 9 1/2" hands. Wiley is the perfect combination of pass-catching and run-blocking.
Wiley played 627 snaps in 2023. His stats include 65 targets, 45 receptions (72.3%), 520 yards, 11.1 yards per reception, eight touchdowns, and one drop. 301 of Wiley's yards came after the catch. If the 49ers could add another YAC tight end to their arsenal, this would enable All-Pro George Kittle to continue to excel. These two will be interchangeable, and the opposing defenses couldn't predict who will stay in and block.
Round 5 (The Money Round), Pick 176
Joe Milton III, QB, Tennessee
Joe Milton III has the strongest arm in the draft. Milton's 2023 stats included 229 completions (64.7%), 2,809 yards, 7.9 yards per attempt, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Nineteen of Milton's passes were dropped. Although the efficiency is a work in progress, he can take the top off the defense with his big throw ability. Milton III lists 6'5", 235 lbs, with 33 3/8" arms and 10 1/4" hands. He won't have a problem gripping the football in inclement weather, and his athleticism is through the roof.
Round 6, Pick 209
Omar Speights, LB, LSU
Omar Speights lists 6'1 and 235 lbs. In 2023 Speights played 529 snaps as the weak side and middle linebacker. He totaled four pressures (one hit and three hurries), recorded 47 solo tackles, and 26 for loss. If there is one position I'm not worried about the 49ers developing, it's the linebacker position.
Round 6, Pick 215
Andrew Raym, C, Oklahoma
Andrew Raym is a brawler up front. What he lacks in speed and burst, he makes up for in strength. Raym lists 6'4", 314 lbs, 32 1/2" arms, and 10" hands. His 2023 stats included 874 snaps and 16 pressures allowed (three sacks, three hits, and ten hurries). If the 49ers look to get mean up front, Raym is the guy.
Round 6, Pick 237
Jordan Whittington, WR, Texas
Jordan Whittington lists 6'1", 204 lbs. What he lacks in speed, he makes up in quickness. Whittington's 2023 stats included 41 receptions on 55 targets (74.5%). He finished with 494 yards, 12 yards per reception, and one touchdown. 235 of those yards came after the catch and he only had three drops during the season. It's not easy when you're the third option behind Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy, but Whittington held his own. The 49ers could be looking to replace a current slot receiver if he leaves in free agency.
Round 7, Pick 249
Frank Gore Jr., RB, Southern Mississippi
Frank Gore Jr. is an explosive back with over 31 explosive runs in 2023. Gore Jr. has some of the quickest feet and can get low when running through the gaps up the middle. If the 49ers chose to draft the running back, Gore Jr. would be a great addition to the running back core.
Not only was Gore Jr. a thousand-yard rusher, but he caught 27 catches on 36 targets (75%) and averaged 8.3 yards per reception, with three touchdowns. Although this may be a legacy pick, it will be the right choice to bring Gore Jr. to the Bay.
With Mock Draft 2.0 in the books, I'm excited about Mock Draft 3.0 post-combine. Make sure to leave comments below, and all are welcome.