San Francisco 49ers GM John Lynch - Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Just like that, the 2023 NFL season is over, and the San Francisco 49ers fell short in the big game. Now, it is time to look ahead to the offseason. The 2024 NFL Draft is just around the corner. The 49ers had a lot of the pieces this year, but certain positions were a big factor in the team losing the big game. With numerous players set to hit free agency, and not a large cap space, this will be a crucial draft for the San Francisco 49ers. Here is the San Francisco 49ers 2024 NFL draft guide.
San Francisco 49ers 2024 NFL Draft Picks
The 49ers are set to have 11 draft picks this year.
- Round 1: No. 31 Overall
- Round 2: No. 63 Overall
- Round 3: No. 94 Overall
- Round 3: No. 98 Overall
- Round 4: No. 124 Overall (From Dallas)
- Round 4: No. 131 Overall
- Round 5: No. 175 Overall
- Round 6: No. 208 Overall
- Round 6: No. 213 Overall
- Round 6: No. 214 Overall
- Round 7: No. 248 Overall
The 49ers have one pick in the fourth round that they received from the Dallas Cowboys. This pick comes from the trade involving Trey Lance. The other picks are compensation from minority hirings and losing key free agents last year. Will the 49ers use all of these picks in the upcoming draft? That is still to be determined.
San Francisco 49ers NFL Draft Needs
The San Francisco 49ers need to draft the following positions: OL, CB, TE, WR, S, DL
It is no secret that the 49ers need help on their offensive line. Fans have been saying this for years, but hopefully, the blown-up play in the Super Bowl during overtime will convince the front office that this is a big need. Similarly to the offensive line, the team must address the defensive back situation. The 49ers overall did improve in that position compared to past years, but it needs to be better.
Depending on how Talanoa Hufanga heals, the starting safeties are set, but depth is a big need there, especially with the chance the team does not re-sign Tashaun Gipson. Another position of need is on the defensive line. It was stacked this year, but many are set to hit free agency. Arik Armstead will also need surgery for a torn meniscus. He should return by training camp, but more help is still needed, especially if there are setbacks in the healing process. Luckily, the 49ers can develop a rookie on the defensive line.
Whatever happens with Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings in the offseason, getting wide receiver help is important. Where they get the receivers will depend on their status with the team. The 49ers have young receivers, but if the talent is there, the team has to draft them.
During the Super Bowl, George Kittle exited the game for a couple of plays, it is clear the team needs another tight end to step up if something happens to Kittle. In general, they need someone to help Kittle on the field and learn from him. The 49ers drafted two last year, but they were nonexistent this season. The team does tend to “red-shirt” rookies. Perhaps the rookie tight ends from 2023 will be solid players, but it is still a position to address. This offseason may be a big business decision period for the 49ers.
Mock Draft
Mock drafts are done on NFL Mock Draft Database. No trades were executed. Obviously, teams tend to wheel and deal, but this is meant to give a look at what the team can do with the draft capital they currently have.
- Round 1: No. 31 Overall: Graham Barton IOL Duke
- Round 2: No. 63 Overall: Ruke Orhorhoro DL Clemson
- Round 3: No. 94 Overall: D.J. James CB Auburn
- Round 3: No. 98 Overall: Cade Stover TE Ohio State
- Round 4: No. 124 Overall: Jermaine Burton WR Alabama
- Round 4: No. 131 Overall: Blake Fisher OT Notre Dame
- Round 5: No. 175 Overall: Malik Mustapha S Wake Forest
- Round 6: No. 208 Overall: Jordan Jefferson DL LSU
- Round 6: No. 213 Overall: Jase McClellan RB Alabama
- Round 6: No. 214 Overall: Curtis Jacobs LB Penn State
- Round 7: No. 248 Overall: Sam Hartman QB Notre Dame
Mock Draft Analysis
Who knows what happens between now and the 2024 NFL Draft. The truth is, as obvious as it sounds, the draft will highly depend on free agency in March. The offensive line and defensive back positions need the most help. If the 49ers cannot address the wide receiver position in the offseason, expect them to find someone earlier than expected. The defensive line may need to be addressed more than expected as well.
The weekend of the draft can be pure chaos. Players get drafted earlier or later than expected through unexpected trades. Graham Barton from Duke is an interior offensive lineman who could fall to 31 and be a big pickup for the team. This is the biggest need, and the draft will be the best place to look for that. Right now, I have the 49ers taking a defensive lineman in the second round, but if the status of Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings is still unknown, do not be surprised if the team drafts a wide receiver there. Come later in the draft, it will depend on the players still available and the position of need.
This is just the first mock draft of the offseason. By the time the combine begins, everyone’s draft stock will be different. By the time free agency occurs, team needs will probably change some of the position needs. Future trades may exist as well. A lot will change for the team, but the 49ers will look to continue to develop the rookies and help turn them into studs just as they did with Kittle, Warner, and more.
