Okay, 49ers fans, let’s see what your team is (potentially) going to do in the 2023 NFL Draft. What do you give a team that has so much already? I typically think the best player available is about the only option here. If you check out their draft history with John Lynch, we know they love to draft RBs between the 3rd and 4th rounds. They also are big fans of targeting wide receivers and defensive backs, and after losing Emmanuel Mosley to Detroit, I could see DB being an early target. I also spent some time digging around 49ers blogs and news, to see if I could understand what the locals were saying.
San Francisco 49ers Team Needs
Their biggest needs in my eyes are DB, the right side of the offensive line, and depth at wide receiver. I can’t see the quarterback room having such a tough ride in 2023 as it did in 2022. So with the basic needs covered, with the help of our friends at Mock Draft Database, here’s my take on their 2023 NFL Draft!
San Francisco 49ers Mock Draft
3-99: Jordan Battle – Safety Alabama
3-101: Jaelyn Duncan – OT Maryland
3-102: Marvin Mims – WR Oklahoma
4-155: Olusegun Oluwatimi – IOL Michigan
4-164: Owen Pappoe – LB Auburn
4-173: KJ Henry – EDGE Clemson
6-216: Israel Abanikanda – RB Pittsburgh
7-222: Kei’Trel Clark – CB Louisville
7-247: Thomas Incoom – EDGE Central Michigan
7-253: Brenton Strange – TE Penn State
7-255: Dante Stills – DL West Virginia
San Francisco: My Reasoning
Battle was the top-rated player on the board, and I can always find a number to support it (like RAS scores similar to Talanoa Hufanga). My biggest thought throughout the draft was where am I getting them at least two offensive linemen, so the next pick was just the beginning. Jaelyn Duncan early on was being talked about at the back of round 1, has a strong RAS score, and together that feels like a great get in round 3. I added Oluwatimi from Michigan to cover the interior, now both of these guys could be solid starters in time so I felt really great about those picks.
Marvin Mims may be a bit underweight but he could be huge for this team, has big play ability, is a YAC monster, and in this scheme could be utilized all over the field. Pappoe is undersized but has a strong athletic profile and I could see behind that line being put in a great spot to be productive down the road. As the draft moved on, I didn’t anticipate taking two edge rushers but Henry and Incoom are really interesting depth pieces for a team with a really good bunch of edge rushers to help them grow.
Other Notes
Clark, Strange, and Stills are all in a similar situation. They are behind strong starters that can help them develop. Becoming (potentially) productive pros down the road. Abanikanda feels like a 49ers running back. I love what he brings to the table athletically. He had a near 10 RAS score at his pro day and was highly productive his last year at Pitt. Abanikanda could be great in a Shanahan offense!
In the end, I looked back and really liked the way this mock draft fell. I think these pieces could strengthen the depth. Bringing some possible production in year one for some of the earlier choices. Stills could be one of the later players I like. He could be used as an edge rusher that gets some work inside as well. I like how a lot of these players can be used in various roles. San Fran loves to use players as chess pieces to create mismatches.
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