The Athletic’s seven-round mock draft shows the 49ers strengthening their defense first.
The Athletic’s analyst Dane Brugler just unveiled his seven-round mock draft, projecting all 257 selections in the forthcoming 2024 NFL Draft, which is scheduled to begin next week.
“Putting together a mock like this takes a lot of effort, but it’s a fun exercise for me since it lets me concentrate on the needs of each club, organizational trends, and meaningful prospect-team matches based on ’30’ visits, league buzz, and general interest,” Brugler wrote.
Brugler has the 49ers addressing the trenches early in the draft, as most people anticipate. Simply put, it’s not on the attacking end of the football field.
In fact, Christian Jones, a former Texas lineman, is selected in the fourth round by Brugler, who has San Francisco address the offensive line last.
The 49ers have ten picks in the draft, and their first pick is overall No. 31. Brugler’s first-round selection goes to former Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton, who is chosen by general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan.
“The 49ers are constantly searching for upgrades on the defensive line, regardless of their perceived top needs,” Brugler noted. “Like how he fits in most schemes, Newton’s size isn’t ideal for what San Francisco desires, but his disruptive character and persistent play personality help him transcend ordinary proportions.”
With the 49ers’ second-round selection, No. 63 overall, Brugler continues to emphasize defense by selecting former Kentucky cornerback Andru Phillips.
“The 49ers also like the quick nickel, and Phillips is one of my favorite Day 2 prospects in this draft class,” Brugler noted. “Phillips’s lack of elite ball output isn’t ideal, but he has the type of personality that will appeal to NFL coaches, and he competes and stays in phase.”
The brother of current 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, former Rice wide receiver Luke McCaffrey, is expected to be added by the 49ers two rounds later, according to Brugler.
“Obviously, a great tale would be the McCaffrey brothers playing together in San Francisco,” Brugler remarked. “However, Luke is a talented pass catcher who will stand out for Kyle Shanahan’s offense because of his toughness and ball abilities.”
The 10 anticipated 49ers selections are listed below:
Pick 31 for Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois; Pick 63 for Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky; Pick 94 for Jared Wiley, TE, TCU; Pick 124 for Christian Jones, OT, Texas; Pick 132 for Zak Zinter, G, Michigan; Pick 135 for Luke McCaffery, WR, Rice; Round 5. Pick 176: Temple’s Jordan Magee, LB; Pick 211: Memphis’ Blake Watson, RB; Pick 215: Khalid Duke, Kansas State’s Edge; Pick 251: Tennessee’s Kamal Hadden, CB
