The San Francisco 49ers are in a bit of a predicament when it comes to NFL Draft this weekend. While the organization holds two picks in the first round, it won't make another selection until the fifth round with the way things stand right now. With how deep this draft class is expected to be, that's a problem.
General manager John Lynch is aware of this issue as ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported that the Red and Gold are listening to offers for picks 13 and 31, and Sports Illustrated's Grant Cohn confirmed the rumors as seen below.
John Lynch: "There are scenarios at both of those picks where we'd be open to moving back...a couple more (picks) might be nice...But if you can find a foundational player at 13, that's something you have to weigh."
— Grant Cohn (@grantcohn) April 20, 2020
But what exactly is each selection worth, and what can the 49ers expect to get in return?
Taking a look at the NFL Draft Pick Trade Value Chart can shine some light on the matter. Below I outline a few potential trade scenarios for San Francisco using the draft chart. Adding players like Marquise Goodwin or Kwon Alexander could allow Lynch to get more in return, but for this exercise, we'll stick to the picks to keep things simple.
SF Trades Pick 13 to PHI for Picks 21 and 53
According to the chart, pick 13 is worth 1,150 points, and the 21st and 53rd overall selections combined are valued at 1,170, so the 49ers would net 20 points in this scenario.
Rumors are swirling that the Eagles are looking to move up to put themselves in a position to take one of the top wide receivers in the draft. Making this leap would certainly put Philadelphia in the sweepstakes for one of the top three wideouts, but on the other hand, San Francisco is also looking to add someone at the position. While this trade would likely seal the Red and Gold's fate in regards to CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy, or Henry Ruggs, the team can still add a quality pass-catcher with the 21st pick and would get back into the second round with this trade.
SF Trades Pick 13 to MIA for Picks 18 and 70
Picks 18 and 70 are worth 1,140 points, so San Francisco would lose 10 points of value in this scenario.
With 14 total selections, the Dolphins have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to draft picks and can easily afford to sacrifice one to move up the board. Miami is expected to take a quarterback fifth overall. However, the team can't afford to put the future of the franchise behind an offensive line that allowed a league-high 58 sacks last season. Getting ahead of Tampa Bay and picking up a tackle would be in their best interests, and San Francisco would only drop five spots while also adding a third-rounder in the process.
SF Trades Pick 13 to MIN for Picks 22, 58, and 132
Picks 22, 58, and 132 are worth 1,140 points, so the 49ers would lose 10 points of value in this scenario.
The Vikings would make this trade for a couple of reasons. One, the reason Minnesota has this pick in the first place is it traded Stefon Diggs to Buffalo, so the team could find his replacement and get ahead of other wide receiver-needy teams like Denver and Philadelphia. And two, Everson Griffen is now a free agent, so leap-frogging Dallas and Atlanta in the K'Lavon Chaisson sweepstakes wouldn't be a bad idea. As for San Francisco, not only would it still have two first-round picks, but the organization would also get back into the second and fourth rounds.
SF Trades Picks 31 and 156 to TB for Picks 45 and 76
Picks 31 and 156 are worth 627.8 points, and the 45th and 76th overall selections combine for 660 points, so the 49ers would net about 30 points in this scenario.
Admittedly, this trade is dependent upon Jordan Love sliding on draft day. However, that's not too far-fetched as NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that teams are split on Love, and he could fall to the end of round one. If Tampa Bay gets an offensive tackle with its 14th overall selection, having Tom Brady serve as the Utah State product's mentor for a couple of years wouldn't be a bad idea. Not to mention, trading up allows the organization to have the fifth-year option at its disposal, and his big arm would be a great fit in Bruce Arians' offense.
This trade would be a no-brainer for the Red and Gold. They'd only move back 14 spots in the draft and add a third-rounder in the process.
SF Trades Pick 31 to NYJ for Picks 48 and 79
Pick 31 is worth 600 points, and the 48th and 79th overall selections combine for 615 points, so San Francisco would net 15 points in this scenario.
Making this transaction would put the Jets in a great situation. Trading back into the end of the first round allows New York to prioritize an offensive tackle with the 11th overall pick, and then dip into the deep wide receiver class at 31, so the team's top needs will be addressed on day one. Again, the 49ers wouldn't fall too far down the board while working their way into the third round. If need be, Lynch can throw in the 176th pick (19.8 points) to sweeten the deal for Gang Green.
