With the initial flurry of free agency in the books, respected draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah unveiled his latest mock draft, projecting teams' potential moves in the 2024 NFL Draft.
While many fans questioned ESPN analyst Mel Kiper projecting Washington offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten to the 49ers with the No. 31 overall pick, Jeremiah's choice for the Bay Area team may receive a warmer reception.
Despite the Niners adding defensive ends via free agency, Jeremiah has San Francisco using their first-round pick to add former Penn State pass rusher Chop Robinson.
"The 49ers signed Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos to join Nick Bosa, but they love to have a deep rotation of pass rushers to keep players fresh," Jeremiah wrote. "Robinson has the best get-off in the class, and that's the hallmark of a Kris Kocurek-coached defensive line."
According to Sports Reference, Robinson registered 41 tackles, including 17.5 for a loss, 9.5 sacks, three passes defensed, and three forced fumbles in two seasons with the Nittany Lions after transferring from Maryland. He boasted Pro Football Focus' sixth-highest overall grade (90.8) and fourth-highest pass-rush grade (92.3) among collegiate edge rushers in 2023.
The 49ers' defensive line underwent significant restructuring this offseason, bidding farewell to key players Arik Armstead, Clelin Ferrell, Javon Kinlaw, and Chase Young. In addition to Floyd and Gross-Matos, San Francisco signed Jordan Elliott and traded for Maliek Collins, hoping to bolster a front that was inconsistent last season.