The San Francisco 49ers were in the Super Bowl just two years ago and were expected to compete for the big game again in 2020, but a long list of injuries derailed them from those lofty goals. Unfortunately, when everything was said and done, the Niners finished the season with a 6-10 record and last place in the NFC West. Now, ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft, they could be looking to begin a new era after trading up to the No. 3 overall pick.
How would one pick change the “era” of football that the 49ers are currently in? Well, they could switch up the quarterback position by moving on from Jimmy Garoppolo in favor of a rookie.
Reports have been circulating that the 49ers could look to trade Garoppolo before or during the draft. If that is the case, the rookie that they select at No. 3 would take over the reins immediately. As daunting of a task as that might be, San Francisco is set up to be able to accommodate a young quarterback and still look to win.
John Lynch has been building the 49ers through the NFL Draft and has done an excellent job of doing so. He has brought in names like Nick Bosa, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Fred Warner, and more in recent years. Another big draft could help vault San Francisco back into serious contention in the NFC.
All of that being said, let’s take a look at three last-minute predictions for the 49ers as they prepare for the NFL Draft.
3. The 49ers will steal a defensive playmaker in the third round
Let’s start with a bold prediction for the 49ers in the third round of the draft. A safety may not be the first thing on their wish list, but they are going to get one. Not only are we predicting that they will get a safety, we are going to predict that they snag one player in particular.
That player would be LSU safety JaCoby Stevens, who put together a standout career for the Tigers. In his three years in Baton Rouge, Stevens racked up 190 total tackles to go along with 9.5 sacks, one forced fumble, four interceptions, and 15 defended passes.
S JaCoby Stevens folks! @lsu @nflnetwork 42 vert pic.twitter.com/iPWEItA771
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) March 31, 2021
Stevens is going to be a starter early on in his NFL career. He has a great motor and an excellent skill-set to go along with it. If the 49ers end up making this pick, they will not be disappointed.
2. At least two trades are made
Granted, we are not going to predict that the 49ers make a massive move at the top of the draft. In fact, they have already done that by moving up to the third overall pick. However, we are predicting that they will make at least two trades during the draft.
Lynch has always been open to moving around and trading his picks. He also loves moving back in certain situations to bring in more draft capital. Once again, San Francisco will be open for business and will look to wheel and deal.
These trades may come late in the NFL Draft when no one truly cares or they may come earlier than expected. No matter when they are made, the 49ers are going to be busy working the phones.
1. Trey Lance becomes the new face of the franchise
Finally, we are making a prediction for who the 49ers will end up taking with the No. 3 overall pick. That prediction is North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance. For a head coach like Kyle Shanahan who loves working with quarterbacks, this is a no-brainer decision.
TREY LANCE PRO DAY
49ers, Falcons, Patriots, Broncos in attendance👀
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) April 19, 2021
Lance has all of the tools to become a superstar at the NFL level. He has the leadership skills, the arm strength, the arm accuracy, the football IQ, and the mobility to get outside of the pocket. San Francisco will find all of that impossible to pass up.
Whether they trade Jimmy G or not, the keys will be handed over to Lance. Speculation will continue about Justin Fields possibly ending up being the pick, but Lance will hear his named called. It may be a big debate right now, but the 49ers will be happy with their decision in the future as they develop their young quarterback.
