In a recent feature for ESPN, analyst Ben Solak outlined how each NFL team can "crush their picks" in next week's draft. For the 49ers, Solak emphasized the importance of identifying prospects who can fill a wide range of key roles.
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Fortunately, general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan hold 11 selections, beginning with the No. 11 overall pick. And according to Solak, they'll need every single one—if not more—to bounce back from last season's disappointing 6-11 finish.
"Keep your picks and even trade back if you can," Solak advised, discussing San Francisco's ideal strategy. "Draft best player available, with exceptions made only for left tackle and defensive tackle."
Although the 49ers could be tempted to target a pass rusher early, Solak believes the smarter move is to secure a high-end offensive lineman, particularly since impact defensive linemen can still be found on Day 2.
"As such, finding a starting left guard who can potentially take over at left tackle for Trent Williams is the ideal scenario -- and that's where the board is friendly," Solak wrote. "Will Campbell (LSU) and Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas) are exactly those prospects, while Armand Membou (Missouri) can also fit the bill by flipping from the right side to the left."
Still, Solak acknowledged that a pass rusher like Marshall's Mike Green or Georgia's Jalon Walker could catch the team's attention. Additionally, it seems unlikely Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, a perfect scheme fit, will fall to No. 11.
Solak believes a player who can immediately contribute at guard and eventually take over at tackle is the most logical path. After that, the 49ers can turn their focus to defense, where he identifies several intriguing potential targets.
"Day 2 targets who read like Lynch's type include Toledo DT Darius Alexander, South Carolina DT T.J. Sanders, Kansas State CB Jacob Parrish, Cal CB Nohl Williams, South Carolina LB Demetrius Knight Jr., UCLA LB Kain Medrano, Ole Miss edge rusher Princely Umanmielen and Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr," Solak noted.
He also named safeties Andrew Mukuba of Texas and Kevin Winston Jr. of Penn State as possible fits.
"This is a big, big draft for John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan," Solak added. "Last year was supposed to be the 'one last hurrah' on Brock Purdy's rookie contract, but injuries accumulated so severely that San Francisco's season never got off the ground. The team bled talent in free agency and has tons of gaps to fill with young players on cheap contracts as it enters the second act of Purdy's career -- the one in which his contract is far more expensive, and draft wins become all the more necessary."
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