►
49ers' war room: Projecting San Francisco's first three rounds in 2018 NFL Draft
Round 1: DE Marcus Davenport, UTSA
"They go get a big-time edge rusher in Marcus Davenport from UTSA," Jeremiah said. "This is a player they've spent a lot of time on studying him, sending their position coach to his pro day to work him out, Buck. A lot of buzz building he could be in play here in the top 10 for the Niners."
"He'd be a great pick, a great fit as a guy who is really comfortable rushing from an upright stance and he has the athleticism to burst the bend to be able to get home. You add a 10-plus sack artist to their defense; they should be able to get back into the mix."
Jeremiah adds that the 49ers already have a lot of good, young pieces on defense and adding Davenport would only make it better.
Round 2: G Austin Corbett, Nevada
"When I look at this player on tape, I like the athleticism, I like the way he's steadily improved," Brooks said. "I think he's going to do a good job inside as an interior blocker and if you're the 49ers, you know you're making change. You bring Jonathan Copper over; you're going to have Austin Corbett. Now, you're a little more athletic to execute the kind of running game that you want to."
Brooks believes that a revamped offensive line, the addition of running back Jerick McKinnon, and the potential additions of a few more playmakers will make the offense "lights out."
Jeremiah notes that Corbett can play guard or tackle, but the best spot for him will be inside. With this selection, the 49ers offensive line (from left to right tackle) would include Joe Staley, Corbett, Weston Richburg, Cooper, and Trent Brown.
"They've got to keep Jimmy Garoppolo upright," Jeremiah added.
Round 3: CB Holton Hill, Texas and DE Da'Shawn Hand, Alabama
With the 49ers starting cornerbacks assumed to be veteran Richard Sherman and second-year player Ahkello Witherspoon, the next projected picks are for depth.
"I don't know if you're going to start right away, but how about Holton Hill from Texas? Plug him in the mix, get another young, tall, long, athletic corner that's a perfect scheme fit here for the Niners," Jeremiah said.
Brooks believes Hill, who impressed him during his time at Texas, resembles Sherman and can get on the edge and press receivers.
As for Da'Shawn Hand, Brooks believes he's another blue-chip player the 49ers can add to their front seven.
"I think you always want a little bit more, because of the athletic ability, you want a little bit more production, but the skillset is there," Jeremiah added. "I think he'll be a better pro even than he was at the University of Alabama."
You can watch Jeremiah and Brooks break down their selections here.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers insider predicts 'two or three trades' ahead of deadline
The previously unbeaten San Francisco 49ers exposed some weaknesses in Sunday's upset loss to the Atlanta Falcons. While players returning from injury in the coming weeks should help, San Francisco Standard writer Tim Kawakami believes general manager John Lynch could make... -
49ers Have More Than Injuries to Blame for First Loss
The San Francisco 49ers have spent much of this season finding ways to win despite an extraordinary number of injuries. Entering Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons, their top five wide receivers were unavailable, leaving Kyle Shanahan with a severely depleted... -
49ers in Week 8 power rankings: Did San Francisco fall after first loss?
The San Francisco 49ers suffered their first loss of the season Sunday, falling 29-20 to the Atlanta Falcons. The injury-plagued 49ers now have a bye week to regroup and recover before hosting the Las Vegas Raiders at Levi's Stadium in Week 9. Was the loss in Atlanta simply... -
Watch: 49ers rookie Kaelon Black scores first NFL touchdown
The San Francisco 49ers selected running back Kaelon Black in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The rookie has now scored his first NFL touchdown. Black found the end zone in the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons, extending San Francisco's lead...