Today, NFL Media draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah spoke to the media during a nearly two-hour conference call, fielding questions about the 2024 NFL Draft. One question surrounded the possibility of the San Francisco 49ers trading up in the first round to increase their chances of landing an impact player.
Depending on the 49ers' priorities, Jeremiah only believes a significant move is necessary if the team tries to target a couple of defensive positions.
"I mean, they've got a nice haul of picks here, so if they want to move up, they absolutely have the ammunition to do so," Jeremiah stated. "I just think when you look at the needs that they have and some of the different areas that they could go, if you're thinking about corners and edge rushers, maybe you miss out on the top tier."
If San Francisco seeks an interior offensive lineman or wide receiver in the first round, Jeremiah believes the team can stay put at the No. 31 slot. There should be impactful options when it comes time to turn in the pick.
"I still think there will be a quality corner there, personally, even though some of the top guys might go," Jeremiah added. "I don't really see them in a position where they need to [trade up]. I think this is more filling out your roster, getting a layer of depth.
"They have the stars in place, so I don't think they're in a position where they [say], 'Hey, we've got to get up there. We must get this accomplished.' I don't feel like they're in that spot here. I think they can be a little more patient than that."
Jeremiah was also asked about the 49ers' aging roster and the lack of impactful youth acquired in recent drafts, aside from star quarterback Brock Purdy, the last overall pick in 2022. Is there pressure to replenish the roster with younger talent?
"I do think they have such a rock-solid nucleus of [blue-chip] players," Jeremiah said. "The elite teams have between eight and 12 blue-chip guys, premier guys. They've got that. They've got that kind of checked. So now, it's about having the depth in place that you can withstand injuries and not having enormous drop-off at these other positions.
"So I don't think they need superstar drafts, but I think they need depth along the offensive line. I think they can find upgrades there. They can continue to look at the corner position. I think, in a draft like this, where they're picking at 63, 94, I think there's opportunities there to get players that can come in, in the secondary, and help out and be a part of their mix right away."
Jeremiah noted, "Adding another receiver along the way as well shouldn't be difficult to do in this draft."
