In his post-Super Bowl mock draft for Pro Football Focus, Trevor Sikkema envisions the 49ers striking a blockbuster deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In his projection, Sikkema has San Francisco trading Samuel and the 11th overall pick to Jacksonville in exchange for the fifth overall selection.
"The 49ers have reportedly allowed wide receiver Deebo Samuel to seek a trade," Sikkema wrote. "This isn't the first time they've explored trading Samuel, so it seems more likely to go through this time. Here, they do a pick swap with Jacksonville (about a second-round trade value) to jump up and get one of the top defensive linemen in the draft."
Sikkema's mock draft has the 49ers selecting Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham with the fifth pick, making him the first interior defender taken off the board.
The 49ers may have added motivation to strengthen their defensive front after watching the Philadelphia Eagles' effective pass rush dominate the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. The Chiefs, who defeated the 49ers in two recent Super Bowls, have been a significant hurdle for head coach Kyle Shanahan and his staff.
With the team expected to part ways with defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, fortifying the defensive line becomes a critical need heading into the offseason.
Graham (6-3, 320) earned a 91.1 overall defensive grade and a 92.6 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024, leading all collegiate interior defenders in both categories. During his standout season, he recorded a career-high 34 pressures, 3.5 sacks, and 45 tackles, including seven for a loss.
Over the past two seasons, Graham has earned defensive grades of at least 90.0. He significantly improved his tackling in 2024, raising his grade from 57.8, with six missed tackles in 2023, to 78.0, allowing only two missed tackles this past season.
Graham's dominant play earned him All-American honors and solidified his status as one of the top defensive prospects in the draft.
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