49ers 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Roundup of B/R Staff, Kiper and Expert Picks

Joe TanseyApril 17, 2024

49ers 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Roundup of B/R Staff, Kiper and Expert Picks

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    TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 25:  Arizona Wildcats offensive lineman Jordan Morgan (77) looks on before the college football game between the Arizona Wildcats and the Arizona State Sun Devils on November 25, 2023 at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
    Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    The San Francisco 49ers could go in a few different directions with the No. 31 overall pick.

    Kyle Shanahan's team needs help on the offensive line and it could use some defensive line depth as well.

    The 49ers do not have any glaring needs, so that may lead to the best player available strategy at the end of the first round.

    NFL draft experts are divided on the direction the 49ers will take at No. 31. One expert even has a wide receiver going to the NFC West side next Thursday.

    Wide receiver could be a position the 49ers target, but most experts believe that happens in the later rounds.

Mixed Opinions on No. 31 Pick

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    CHAMPAIGN, IL - NOVEMBER 25: Illinois Fighting Illini Defensive Tackle Jer'Zhan Newton (4) reacts after sacking Northwestern Wildcats Quarterback Ben Bryant (2) during the college football game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Illinois Fighting Illini on November 25, 2023, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
    Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    Every NFL draft expert has a different opinion on how the 49ers should approach the No. 31 pick.

    Bleacher Report's NFL scouting department predicted Oregon cornerback Khyree Jackson would be the pick.

    The Athletic's Dane Brugler predicted Illinois defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton would land with the NFC West side.

    "Newton doesn't have ideal size for what San Francisco wants (similar to how he fits in most schemes), but his disruptive nature and relentless play personality are qualities that help him overcome average measurements," Brugler wrote.

    ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. landed Arizona offensive tackle Jordan Morgan with the 49ers.

    NFL.com's Peter Schrager had the most out-of-the-box prediction with Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey at No. 31.

    "I've spoken to a lot of people over the past few months, and I'm not sure there is a single prospect who's as universally liked and respected as Ladd. Tough, smart, selfless. San Francisco seems like a perfect home," Schrager wrote.

    Drafting a wide receiver at No. 31 may seem like a stretch with the other prospects who could be available, but the 49ers do have to plan for life without Brandon Aiyuk if he leaves in the next 12 months.

Pass Catching Help on Day 2

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    FORT WORTH, TX - NOVEMBER 18:TCU Horned Frogs tight end Jared Wiley (19) runs after the catch during a college football game between the Baylor Bears and the TCU Horned Frogs on November 18, 2023 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, TX.  (Photo by Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
    Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    There is a larger consensus in mock drafts that the 49ers will upgrade their pass-catching positions on Day 2.

    ESPN's Field Yates, who did the mock draft with Kiper, and Brugler both have TCU tight end Jared Wiley landing with the 49ers in the third round.

    Wiley only had 520 receiving yards last season at TCU, but he caught eight touchdown passes. The scoring threat could catch the 49ers' eyes if they can't find the wide receiver they want.

    B/R's NFL scouting department believes Western Kentucky's Malachi Corley will be the pass-catching upgrade at No. 62.

    Corley produced 11 touchdowns in consecutive seasons and he was 16 yards away from back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023.

    Corley would be the player the 49ers look to potentially replace Aiyuk if he departs in a trade or free agency.

Secondary Help Added at Some Point

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    LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 1: Khyree Jackson #5 of the Oregon Ducks looks to the sideline during the Pac-12 Championship game against the Washington Huskies at Allegiant Stadium on December 1, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)
    Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images

    The first-round prediction from B/R's NFL scouting department of Jackson at No. 31 is not far-fetched because the 49ers need some help in the secondary.

    "If the San Francisco 49ers are ever going to overcome Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs to become the best team in professional football, Kyle Shanahan's squad must find a way to slow the game's best passing offense," the B/R mock draft noted.

    Kiper believes the 49ers need to beef up their secondary at some point as well, which is why Kentucky's Dru Phillips is his pick at No. 63.

    "This is about beefing up a secondary that struggled at times at the end of last season," Kiper wrote.

    There is not expected to be a massive run on corners in the first round, like there is with offensive linemen, so the 49ers might be able to land an upgrade at No. 31.

    If not, the 49ers should be on the hunt for defensive back help at some point on Day 2.

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