Originally posted by scooterhd:
Originally posted by CatchMaster80:
It's getting harder to predict how good a draft class is going to be with NIL and college portal transfers. Players that would be draft eligible can now elect to stay in college for another year while earning as much or more than they would in the NFL. Lot's of players have better JR years than they do SR years.
Even if the 2026 draft has better O line talent the Niners probably won't be in a good position to get a top tackle. Those guys go in the top 10. Centers and guards may be available and a lower rated tackle surely could be there. I expect the Niners to win more games next year due to a weak schedule and getting some injured players back. Also an improved defense with the new players and Saleh coming back. They may end up picking somewhere in the 20s.
If Will Campbell came out in 2026, hed be the 5th best tackle. This class was weak and overdrafted because of 0 depth. Get a strong and deep class and a good tackle is possible in the 20s. The last few years have been 50/50 on guys in the 20s with hits on guys like Darrisaw and Tyler Smith. We'll have 11 picks at our disposal to move up into the teens as well. Assuming we are not there already.
That all assumes that these supposedly better lineman really play well. Some might get hurt. As for the Niners moving up to take one that depends on finding someone that wants to trad beck. If it turns out that there are some really good O line prospects there will be several teams that want them since this was a bad year. They may not want to trade back.
One thing I know aboit the draft is it's more about opportunity and luck than it is about scouting and preparation. Those are important but all the scouting in the world can't prevent another team from taking a player you want. Even if you get the guy you want you still won't know if he's the right guy until you see him on the field with your team.
