Tight end was oddly popular when it came to mock drafts over the past month.
We’ll focus on the NFL Draft this week with the NFL Combine taking place. Before we get into names and go through the hundreds of players, let’s talk about the positions the San Francisco 49ers are targeting this offseason.
Replenishing the talent in the trenches should be the top priority this offseason. There’s an argument about whether the early draft picks should go to the offense or defensive line. The answer is obvious, easy, and supported by the Niners’ success under Kyle Shanahan.
Throughout the years, the defensive line has carried this team. They are at their best when you can list five to seven players who produce at a starter level. How many times have you thought, “Wow, the offensive line really carried them last month” in your head? That number and Renardo Green’s jersey have a lot in common. That’s not to say the front office should ignore the offensive line, but the investments in the skill positions are the reason 2023’s historic season happened.
That train of thought will be echoed in our first mock draft, which will come up later today. Speaking of drafts, which position would surprise you the most in the 1st round? Perhaps a better way to phrase the question is, which position would signal “panic” if the 49ers went that direction in the first round?
Fresh off the Super Bowl and college playoffs, you’ll remember the shiny toys. For example, Penn State’s tight end Tyler Warren was a popular selection for the 49ers in the first round.
I suppose the thought of adding a weapon to an already star-studded offense isn’t the worst idea. But do you really want to draft a 260-pound tight end who is a clunky route runner and a subpar run blocker in an offense that is looking for somebody to separate against man coverage and thrives when it can have a tight end on the field as a blocker? I’m all for finding George Kittle help, but a tight end in the first round for a 6-win team who needs help in areas where Warren can’t help doesn’t make this team better.
Losing Deebo Samuel will hurt. Who knows if Brandon Aiyuk will be healthy by Week 1? Even if Warren is the consensus top pass-catching option in the draft, drafting a skill player in a class that’s flooded with defensive line talent should ring the alarms.
What position would surprise you?