Super Early, Maybe the Second Earliest 2021 Mock Draft Ever

This is primarily just a way for me to list some of my early favorite prospects heading into the 2021 draft class, but alas, it is always fun to dream.

The Picks:
We have one in each round, except for the 5th, in which we have two, as we receive a 5th round comp pick for the departure of Emmanuel Sanders. Now you may be thinking, how do we have a third round pick if we traded it as a part of the Trent Williams deal. Well that's because we make a trade BEFORE the start of the 2020 season (no dream draft is complete without a 3rd round pick, obviously). At the end of camp, if there is one, 49ers trade quarterback Nick Mullens and a 2021 7th round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2021 3rd round pick. There has been loud rumblings for a while now that, despite them always saying the right things about each other, Derrick Carr is not Jon Gruden's long term plan at QB. The Raiders just completely restocked on offense, and if the draft picks pan out as expected, they should have one of the most stacked offensive rosters in the league, at least on paper. They feel they have the roster to be in win now mode, and with a new stadium, they need to be, as they need to start their relocation with a bang. Now they need someone that Gruden feels can distribute the ball to their play makers, while having the confidence, toughness, and straight cajones to stand in the pocket and make it happen. Enter Nick Mullens. Raiders fans cant be too upset, given the only experience they have with Mullens is watching him completely dismantle their team during his coming out party in 2018. Worst case scenario, they are in the same place they would have been had they stuck with Carr, and only down a 3rd round pick, which is worth the gamble considering the best case scenario is a young franchise caliber QB. As for the niners, we will need a serviceable backup, and I'm not sure CJ Beathard is the guy we depend on. There is a gentleman by the name of Anthony Gordon who the Seattle Seahawks signed as an undrafted free agent. He had many fans on here, was expected to be a 3rd day draft pick, and had many pro comparisons to Jimmy G because of his quick release and willingness to wait 'til the last minute in the pocket before using it. There is no way he makes Seattle's roster over Wilson and Geno Smith, and so we snatch him off of their practice squad.

Notable Trades:
Fast forward to the end of the 2020 season, and the beginning of the 2021 offseason. The 49ers just successfully finished their revenge tour, and are beginning plans for the next dynasty, followed by total world domination. Once again, the 49ers were the best team in the NFL, led mostly in part by their NFL leading defense, and #1 DL. Dee Ford, fresh off of the cleanup of his knee, plays a full season and has 13.5 sacks, and a handful of pressures. If we weren't in cap trouble, we wouldn't think twice about trading him, but alas. Dee Ford gets moved with a 2022 4th round pick for a 2021 2nd rounder.

Notable Cuts:
Laken Tomlinson is an unfortunate cap casualty.

Notable Free Agents:
Trent Williams - STAYS
Richard Sherman - GONE
Solomon Thomas - GONE
Jaquiski Tartt - STAYS
Kyle Juszczyk - GONE =[
Tevin Coleman - GONE
Kendrick Bourne - STAYS
K'Waun Williams - STAYS
Ronald Blair - STAYS
Ben Garland - GONE
Jerick McKinnon - GONE
Ahkello Witherspoon - GONE
Daniel Brunskill - STAYS
Emmanuel Mosely - STAYS
George Kittle - STAYS
Trent Taylor - GONE =[
D. J. Jones - STAYS

Key Roster, Pre-Draft:
QB: Jimmy Garappolo, Anthony Gordon
RB: Raheem Mostert, __________
FB: Charlie Woerner
TE: George Kittle, Jalen Hurd
WR: Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, __________, Kendrick Bourne
OT: Trent Williams, Mike McGlinchey, Justin Skule
OC: Weston Richburg, __________
OG: Daniel Brunskill, __________, __________

DE: Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, __________, Ronald Blair
DT: DJ Jones, Javon Kinlaw, __________, Julian Taylor
LB: Fred Warner, Kwon Alexander, Dre Greenlaw
CB: Emmanuel Mosely, ___________, __________
NCB: K'Wuan Williams
S: Jaquiski Tartt, Jimmie Ward, Tarvarious Moore

Few notes: I believe that, for a 2nd option, Jalen Hurd can do what they would ask of a Ross Dwelley, and at a high level. I believe that Woerner was drafted to replace Juszczyk, and I believe that Emmanuel Moseley can play the slot in a pinch.

Now, lets fill some of those gaps and win a second straight Superbowl!

Round 1: Xavier Thomas, DE Clemson
5-star prospect was expected to be the next big thing, and had a very promising Freshman year, but a complete disaster of a Sophomore year. Scheme change didn't help him, but it does help us to get a prospect of his caliber this late in the first round. He is a bendy and explosive speed rusher to sub in for Arik Armstead on pass rushing downs, and to replace the productivity of Dee Ford.

Round 2: Caleb Farley, CB Virgina Tech

Round 2: Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina
Doubling up on outside corners, and our room should be set.

Round 3: Alaric Jackson, OL Iowa
Before anyone knew about Tristan Wirfs, this is who was expected to be the next great tackle out of Iowa. It is said that the only reason Tristan Wirfs played right tackle is because Alaric Jackson already had the left tackle job. I'm pretty sure I had him as OT1 prior to the 2019 CFB season. More watching has lowered my impression of him, but he is still a day one starter if used properly. How to use him properly? At guard. He reminds me of 49er Laken Tomlinson.

Round 4: Max Borghi, RB Washington State
We were all wanting to cut Jet McKinnon, but I have a feeling we will all be sad to see him go after this season if he is able to stay healthy. Max Borghi helps us to forget all about him. A bit of a poor mans Christian McCaffrey, he is a dangerous threat as a pass catching back, both out the backfield, and lined up as a WR.

Round 5: Brandon Kennedy, OC Tennessee
I don't see anyone talking about this kid, but him and Trey Smith were unbeatable inside. I think he can take over at starter in year 2.

Round 5: Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR Iowa
The best WR Iowa has had in a long time, and you know Iowa is a program our staff likes. Here is our deep threat and kick return specialist, and he shares a lot of traits that made Shanny fall in love with Aiyuk and Deebo. All three receivers are similar, yet have their own unique strengths, and he completes our three headed monster attack. Quick feet, a smooth route runner, elite open field vision, and 4.3 speed. I wouldn't expect him to be around this late, but Iowa's lack of a pass heavy offense will keep his production modest, and a lot of what I like about Ihmir, I also liked about Emmanuel Hall who went undrafted.

Round 6: Naquan Jones, DT
Hasn't had a lot of opportunity yet, sitting behind Raequan Williams who was expected to get drafted, but wasn't. He will backup DJ Jones, as he has the size for DT1T, but the athleticism to help penetrate the line.