This year’s NFL draft has no clear-cut No. 1 — or Nos. 2 through whatever, for that matter — but that doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty of jostling for draft position.
One team that is getting a lot of attention heading into Thursday’s festivities is the San Francisco 49ers, who have 13 draft picks this year. With the team already in good shape after going to the Super Bowl last year, it’s become a question of simple math as to how the 49ers will use their picks, especially since the team isn’t likely to have room or money to sign so many new players.
Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports reports that the 49ers, whose first-round pick is No. 31, are looking to package some picks to move up to No. 13 or 14. Cole says San Francisco will either try to move up or will attempt to swap this year’s picks with selections for next year or further in the future. The 49ers are likely in good shape to find a buyer, as plenty of teams need instant help, and the free-agent market hasn’t solved most team’s problems.
The 49ers were rumored to be part of the Darrelle Revis trade market earlier this offseason, but they didn’t end up making any trades for impact players in exchange for their picks. Instead, they head into Thursday with enough selections to fill a quarter of a team.
How the 49ers choose to use their picks — even if only a half-dozen remain — is the question. While Cole says San Francisco will go for a safety, a No. 2 tight end or a cornerback, Cam Inman of Contra Costa Times reports that San Francisco may be interested in finding a young quarterback to develop behind Colin Kaepernick.
