The San Francisco 49ers are expected to make a total of 11 selections in preparation for the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft scheduled for April 25-27, 2024.
The Niners are predicted to secure up to four compensatory picks, attributing to the team's calculated net losses during the previous year's free-agent signing period.
While they could have earned an additional pick for the loss of right tackle Mike McGlinchey, the acquisition of defensive tackle Javon Hargrave in free agency offsets this potential gain.
Alongside the compensatory picks, the Niners hold their own picks in the first four rounds, including an additional fourth-round pick acquired from trading Trey Lance to the Dallas Cowboys.
The Niners' first-round selection is slated to fall between No. 29 and 32 overall, based on the outcome of their current season. However, as they prepare to face the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship game on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, the team's position in the draft order remains dynamic.
The departure of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to the Las Vegas Raiders is set to bring a projected third-round compensatory selection.
Additionally, the Niners anticipate receiving a fifth-round pick for Samson Ebukam's move to the Indianapolis Colts. Two sixth-round picks are expected for the departures of safety Jimmie Ward to the Houston Texans and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair to the Tennessee Titans.
There's a notable absence of an extra third-round compensatory pick due to general manager John Lynch's request for a special compensatory pick at the NFL trading deadline.
This request aimed at acquiring defensive end Chase Young from the Washington Commanders. The unique compensatory selection was granted for the losses of defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and director of player personnel Ran Carthon.
However, the Niners notably do not have their own picks in the fifth and sixth rounds. The fifth-round pick was traded to the Carolina Panthers in the deal for running back Christian McCaffrey, and the sixth-round pick was sent to the Denver Broncos for defensive end Randy Gregory, along with a seventh-round pick.
The team’s needs
San Francisco boasts one of the NFL's most formidable teams; however, there are specific areas the team aims to enhance.
The Niners’ defense stands as one of the league's best, but the cornerback position remains a potential weak point. The defensive line, featuring talents like Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead, often compensates for this weakness.
Prospects like Georgia’s cornerback Kamari Lassiter, known for his physicality and outstanding man-to-man skills, are among the potential picks that can complement the Niners' defensive strategy.
The right side of the Niners' offensive line is also often seen as a vulnerability. The team may seek experienced players in both guard or tackle positions, with draft options like Layden Robinson from Texas A&M and Xavier Truss potentially providing what the team is looking for. Christian Jones from Texas is another potential mid-round pick who excels in both left and right tackle roles.
Additionally, despite having the NFL's top running back in Christian McCaffrey, the Niners recognize the importance of securing solid backups. Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason have each proven to be useful, but the team may seek to deepen its running back roster.
For a powerful downhill runner, prospects like Kendall Milton, Cody Schrader, and Carson Steele are viable choices. Alternatively, if the Niners seek a versatile back with agility and receiving skills, they may consider options like Dylan Laube, Trey Benson, and Bucky Irving, who are available after the first round.