The 2023 NFL Draft takes place in Detroit, with the San Francisco 49ers holding the 31st overall pick in the first round. General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have a multitude of options at their disposal and will be busy finalizing their team’s strategy over the next couple of days. While many potential scenarios are on the table, a select few stand out above the rest for the 49ers front office on day one of the draft.
Trading out of the No. 31 overall pick could be in the cards for San Francisco. “I think 31 is an interesting spot,” Lynch told reporters. “I think at the end of Day 1, teams are eager to go get someone. So I would imagine there’ll be some calls, and we’ll be open and flexible. We’ve done it both ways, in a variety of ways, and been successful doing some. And the big thing is just be prepared for every scenario.”
With holes to fill along the offensive and defensive lines, the Niners could trade back to add more picks or up if a highly ranked player on the draft board falls further than expected. After losing multiple players in free agency across the defensive front, the Niners will be looking to add depth.
Should the Niners stay put in the first round, edge rushers like Adisa Isaac and Chop Robinson of Penn State should be available. Some mock drafts have Bryon Murphy II from Texas sitting on the board until late in the first round. Should this opportunity present itself, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Lynch and the Niners make that pick. Keep an eye on Jer’Zhan Newton if he’s still on the board, as well.
On the other side of the ball, the 49ers also have a need at tackle, and a player like Amarius Mims from Georgia could be the answer. If Mims is still available at No. 31, he could come in and contribute immediately for the defending NFC champions.
If San Francisco decides to go a different route with its No. 1 pick, it could be in the defensive backfield. Whether it’s Cooper DeJean of Iowa, Terrion Arnold from Alabama, or Quinyon Mitchell of Toledo, the 49ers would be well served should they decide to shore up the secondary with that first pick.
