Let's go through the prime candidates the 49ers could potentially have interest in and available to them with the 27th pick. We'll keep this to two tiers. Tier 1 realistic expectations and Tier 2 surprise sliders:
Tier 1
Omar Cooper Jr. - Shanahan type of WR whose stock is sky high right now
Denzel Boston - X WR similar to Drake London who can go up and get it and is a redzone monster
KC Concepcion - Speedy WR Shanahan would likely have interest in.
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah - Foerster might see a future LT in 2-3 years. Meanwhile he'd compete at LG.
Lee Hunter, DL, Texas Tech - Pass rush ceiling questions but the rest is all there.
Tier 2
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona St. - Consensus #1 WR in the draft whose medicals hold his stock in the balance.
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson - Lack of length and inconsistencies could cause a slide.
Cassius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M - Short arms might give some teams pause.
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon - The only reason he might slide would be position value and two already taken in front of him.
Those are all good.
ReplyDeleteA guy many probably won't think should go this high but I very much believe will be in consideration at 27 is Germie Bernard. Anyone saying that's way too high, I will point you to Ricky Pearsall. From a skillset perspective, he's exactly what Shanahan looks for.
Others I think could be in the mix are R Mason Thomas, Max Iheanachor, Zion Young, Anthony Hill Jr and maybe Jacob Rodriguez.
Actually, Anthony Hill Jr is a low key real possibility given his elite athleticism and blitzing capabilities. Nice chess piece option.
Another guy I think should be in the mix but probably won't be is D'Angelo Ponds.
All good and realistic options Scooter. Seems we'll have our own rolodex by the time this thread is done.
DeleteAnthony Hill Jr averaged nearly 0.5 sack per game in college, and played some edge/ Sam. That's better than some of the edge rushers expected to go in the first three rounds.
DeleteSurprised he isn't getting more buzz as a potential 49ers pick to play in Morris' system.
Good call on Hill Jr. I almost put him on the list too.
DeleteMy top 5 possibilities at pick #27.
ReplyDeleteZion Young: likely gone in top 20 picks.
KC Concepcion: Could be available but also could in the 24-26 picks.
Denzel Boston: Good WR that could replace JJ.
Omar Cooper Jr: He could easily replace Aiyuk in day one.
Celab Lomu: Could contribute in 26 and be a potential Starter in second half of the season.
Nice. Any concerns regarding how Lynch weighs Young's DUI arrest?
DeleteYup. That could be an issue. The 49ers have had upstanding players for the most part. I'm sure they'd like to keep it that way.
DeleteAES, do you hold it against him more for being a team captain? I do. I wonder if GM's do.
DeleteIf the 49ers sign Mike Evans what round do they draft a running mate WR?
ReplyDeleteEvans' age isn't going to preclude them from taking a WR at 27 if they like him. You'd love it if Evans had a career year playing all 17(+) games but that's unrealistic. What you might count on is Evans is effective long enough before he misses a game or two and the rookie has time to get acclimated.
DeleteAgree with razor. I don't think adding Evans (or any WR in FA) would preclude using a 1st on a WR. They have to replace both Aiyuk and likely JJ.
DeleteBut, given their proclivity to use 1st rounders on positions of need, adding Evans likely reduces the chances of going WR round 1.
If they were to sign Evans I believe that they would draft a DE/DT/IOL in the first round and which ever of those 3 positions they don't pick in the 1st round they will use their 2nd round pick on. I think they might sign Deebo to 1 year on the cheap as their #3 WR and then give Pearsall, Cowings and Watson a shot at #2.
DeleteCertainly could Coach. Imo I doubt they add two FAs to fill out the top 3 WRs on their roster, but a possibility.
DeleteLowest allowed pressure rate on true dropback sets, 2026 NFL Draft OTs:
ReplyDeleteKeagen Trost, Missouri: 1.7%
Spencer Fano, Utah: 1.8%
Aamil Wagner, Notre Dame: 2.4%
Jordan Hall, Tulane: 3.0%
Monroe Freeling, Georgia: 3.1%
Caleb Lomu, Utah: 3.1%
Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern: 3.3%
Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL): 3.6%
Diego Pounds, Ole Miss: 3.7%
Kadyn Proctor, Alabama: 3.7%
Raiders now own the Ravens 1st round pick by trading Crosby.
ReplyDeleteJack Endries (6’5 245) Texas
ReplyDelete+ Work ethic to go from an initial walk-on at Cal to a starter
+ 59.4% career contested catch rate
+ Effective against zone coverage
+ Productive pass catcher with almost 1,400 receiving yards over the past three seasons
+ Ability to play in-line, split out wide, or line up in the slot
+ Sticky hands with just a 3.9% career drop rate
+ Durability with over 2,200 snaps
- 1.07 yards per route ran in 2025
- 48.2 run blocking grade in 2024 but improved in 2025
- Lighter frame at 245 lbs. and 6’5”
- Anchor strength as a blocker
Draft projection: Day 2
Youth and peer pressure can be bad and at times a dangerous combination. I really haven't paid much attention to Young's DUI situation. But the NFL has had many players that have broken the law and straightened out their lives with maturity and personal growth. Not sure if the 49ers would take this kind of risk.
ReplyDelete^Response to Razor 7: 07pm.
DeleteI think when your peers vote you as a team captain you have a responsibility to honor it by setting the example and not being the example of what not to do.
DeleteI agree in general. But this happens in every segment of the business world. Sometimes desperate teams will look beyond a players faults with the hope that they can help rehabilitate them. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
DeleteBut you are right, Shanahan has shown that he will likely avoid these guys.
I hate to give advice to the Raiders but if I were their GM I would trade their 2nd round pick for Mac Jones. Then I would draft the best non QB in the draft with the 1st pick and the BPA with #14. They have needs all over so they can draft pretty much any position. They are set at RB and TE adding 2 more elite players while adding Jones would give them a leg up in their rebuild. It would be a win win as the 49ers would then have 3 picks in the top 64. I don't know what it is but there is just something about Mendoza I don't like.
ReplyDeleteWhen is the last time the Raiders and 49ers made a trade?
DeleteCoach, for mine Mendoza looks a lit like Matt Schaub, but with better mobility. Both have that big, gangly frame and are highly mechanical, which can make the susceptible in a muddy pocket. But both are also excellent processors with good accuracy when throwing from a good platform.
DeleteSchaub might sound like a knock on Mendoza, but he was a pretty good starting QB for a while and had a long career. And Mendoza's mobility should help a little to mitigate the issues of having to throw off platform in a muddy pocket.
I watched Mendoza a bit while he was at Cal and he was impressive..... hard to pass up on a QB who may start day 1 and be on the rookie deal- that said, Raiders have so many needs, they could look to sign Murray, or trade for Jones, and then move down from 1 multiple times...... MoneyBall is legit tho when you can get a QB on the rookie deal though
DeleteBetter class in '27 and if they feel they're going to be drafting top 10 next year I'd trade out of 1.
DeleteMakes sense Razor- play the long game and collect picks and young players- ie, Oklahoma Thunder blueprint. My criticism of them last year was that they had no chance to compete in the West and were stupid to try to...... *I was a ticket holder for the last 6 seasons in Oakland- Gruden called good games but they didn't hit in the drafts.
DeletePlayer Spotlight, Malachai Lawerence, Edge, UCF
ReplyDeleteHeight: 6-4
Weight: 253
Arm Length: 33 5/8 inches
Hand Size: 9 1/4
Wingspan: 81 5/8
Birthdate: N/A
Jersey No.: #51
Production: 39 games, 1,336 snaps, 28 TFL, 20 sacks, 0 INT, 5 PBUs, 3 FFs
He uses his speed and chop with the inside arm and drops his shoulder to avoid square punches which allow him to keep moving up the arc and get his hips turned to the pocket. His inside arm never stops working to trim the angle. Even with the quarterback at 5-6 yards of depth (usually 7-8 yards) thanks to no interior rush, Lawrence is still able to turn the corner for an opportunity to make the sack. He's able to angle from inside the in-line tight end. Imagine him doing it from our Wide split!
His Combine 10-yard split was in the 98th percentile, while his speed up the arc, closing burst to the quarterback and constant variety of hand-fighting techniques are all very good. His ceiling has room to expand if his GTFO can be more consistent.
Kentucky DT David Gusta seems to be flying under the radar. Can play NT or 3t. Packs some violence in his hands and runs a 4.88 40 yard dash at 308 lbs.
ReplyDeleteMy ideal free-agent signings would be Kaden Elliss, Mike Evans, Romeo Doubs, and an edge rusher like Bosa, Jordan, Von Miller, or a few others. I’d still target an edge and a wide receiver early in the draft. However, if the Niners land an elite free agent like Hendrickson, then drafting an edge at pick 27 would feel pretty unnecessary.
ReplyDeleteI'm leaning towards Malachai Lawerence at 27 and avoiding a big expenditure on a player like Hendrickson. He'll likely cost $20M+.
DeleteI like Evans at $15M but I don't like overpaying for Doubs who I don't think can live up to that type of contract.
I wouldn’t mind adding a player like Hendrickson, it would really help strengthen the defense, I don’t think the Niners will go that route. If they have to overpay for Doubs, then it’s not worth it.
DeleteI've never seen a player with the number of athletic bloodlines as Sam Roush. Incredible!
ReplyDeleteBuffalo LB Red Murdock hits people like they owe him money. Which would explain all the forced fumbles. Someone is going to get a steal on day 3.
ReplyDeletePost Combine/Pre-F/A Mock Draft:
ReplyDelete27. Malachi Lawrence EDGE UCF
58. Germie Bernard WR Alabama
92. Sam Roush TE Stanford
127. Logan Jones OC Iowa
133. Kyle Louis LB Pittsburgh
138. JC Davis OT Illinois
172. Daylen Everette DB Georgia
Hmmm, Lawrence is an enticing pass rush prospect. I think teams that like Cassius Howell should also ask themselves why they like him more than Lawrence.
DeleteBut there's something about him I'm not sold on and not comfortable taking him that high. Despite good size I think he's a DPR. Lives playing out wide and can't rely on him to set an edge. I query whether he's got the requisite strength to be a true speed to power guy, and while the linear explosion testing numbers are great I also query if he's got elite agility to rely on speed to win at an elite level.
I actually prefer Dani Dennis-Sutton as a guy to bet on top athletic testing combined with good advanced production metrics.
Some of his angles from inside the in-line tight end where he makes the sack have me wondering how much better he could be split out wide like we do. If Kocurek could get his GTFO to a consistent level, I like his chances to be one of the best in the class.
DeleteHe spent most of his time split wide in college.
DeleteAs I said, I think the get off and pass rush moves are enticing, but enough question marks for me to not feel comfortable taking him that high.
Also, who was the last DPR they drafted high?
I think with more of an inside pass rush Lawrence could be more effective out wide.
DeleteLawrence said his play weight was 260 lbs.
DeleteHe doesn't play with power, even at 260 lbs. Almost all of his wins came through finesse. So to me he is a DPR.
DeleteI prefer DDS. He is more of a complete package, and imo is a guy that would benefit from getting more opportunities playing wider.
Also, I really liked DDS presser at the combine. Smart guy. Kocurek will also live what he said about pass rushing.
DeleteLawrence is what top-tier cornering looks like. Tilt the edge, drop the inside shoulder and coordinate hand-fighting/manipulating the apex of the arc to create the corner angle. Lawrence is fantastic at getting his hips aligned to the pocket to find various ways to slip around the edge. Don't be surprised if he doesn't end up being the best in the class if he hits the right destination.
DeleteHow often did you see him actually do that?
DeleteThe couple of reps I saw him do it looked great. But it wasn't often.
Kansas State, BYU, Texas Tech, Kansas and UNC are the games I watched.
DeleteAnd how often did you see him win/ slip around the edge in those games?
DeleteQuite a few actually. Not all ended in sacks.
DeleteYeah, I didn't see it that often.
DeleteTo be clear, I really like him. But he's a 2nd round guy imo.
What I really like about him is he has probably the best "feel" as a pass rusher in the class. Just naturally good at playing what the OT does, countering and working to get unblocked.
But the lack of power I think will limit him to being more a 3-4 OLB or DPR as a DE.
Do you think there's a 50/50 chance under Kocurek he could reach Crosby level?
DeleteDo you think Lawrence's issues are a result of not having a well developed frame/ body?
DeleteWell, I think we both agree players get stronger in an NFL Conditioning program. He'll also benefit from playing with Bosa and Williams. That's a solid nucleus that's complimentary.
DeleteYeah, they get stronger. But I don't think Lawrence is suffering from an underdeveloped frame. I just don't think he'll ever be a power based rusher.
DeleteInteresting. I think he's an ascending player that needs to show more consistency in his get off. His game isn't based on power. Could he improve there as well? Sure.
DeleteYeah, I agree. I guess I just don't think that's worth a 1st round pick. Be happy to get him round 2. Though I'd prefer Dani Dennis-Sutton.
DeleteI like Sutton. Good player. I agree Lawrence likely grades out in the 40's among pro scouts. I'd be surprised if you could get him at the end of Round 2. I think Sutton will be there though.
DeleteHaha. Nice word play. I'm going to check out Murdock now.
ReplyDeleteBills and C Connor McGovern reached agreement on a four-year, $52 million deal that includes $32 million guaranteed. He will not get to free agency.
ReplyDeleteOh, Jake Brendel you big, beautiful center you!
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ReplyDeleteOdafe Oweh is intriguing at $19M and 27 yrs old.
ReplyDeleteGreg Cosell on Kyle Shanahan:
ReplyDelete“I know coaches and I have great conversations with them. When I talk to a defensive coordinator I always ask who are the offensive coordinators that give them the most trouble and Kyle Shanahan’s name is always number 1, believe it or not. Defensive coordinators always say that he does the best job of any offensive coordinator in the league at understanding what defenses are doing and then how to attack those defenses. I’m not making this up.”
I wonder if Cosell saw the playoff game with the 49ers ugly loss against Seattle.
ReplyDeleteI came away from that game thinking that the 49ers had quite a few holes to fill heading into this off-season. I said after that loss, and I'll say it again. Heading into the 2026 season the 49ers need to assemble a team that can beat our division biggest target: Seattle.
Edge
WR
CB/Safety
OL
LB
TE
Maybe #2 QB, whether thru draft or FA
Cosell knows his stuff. I believe him.
Delete