This is easy. He’s the clear-cut No. 1 quarterback in this draft. If you don’t have one, you take one. Is he John Elway or Peyton Manning in terms of a top-overall pick? No. But he’s the best in this class.
Getting a playmaker on their defense, a guy they can move around, would be a wise thing. They could also move back in trade with a team like the Cowboys, but I have them staying put.
Titans coach Robert Saleh had Fred Warner in San Francisco. This is the next Fred Warner. Don’t overthink it to force another position. Take the best player.
This goes against everything I believe in when it comes to team building. But this draft is different. John Harbaugh needs explosiveness from the running back position, so this works.
They have an immediate need at tackle. If he can control his weight and his consistency, he’s the best left tackle prospect in this class. It’s worth taking a chance with that type of talent.
They are building around their young quarterback, so adding a receiver to go with Chris Olave would be a smart move. They could also go pass rush here, but I think Tate helps more now.
This might seem strange, but when you consider their makeup inside now, it really isn’t. This kid is being overlooked, but his 2024 tape was outstanding. The Dexter Lawrence trade made this a major priority and I won’t take a safety here.
You can never go wrong taking an offensive lineman who can play up and down the line. This team is in rebuilding mode and linemen are the safest way to fix things.
Taking a young receiver with Davante Adams in basically the last year with the team — based on contract — makes sense. Lemon will add some juice in the middle of the field.
The way this played out — and it won’t — they end up with the best corner in the class. They had trouble outside at corner last year, so it helps fill a major need.
After taking defensive help with their first pick, they take a receiver to go with Garrett Wilson. Cooper is a player that teams like a lot more than the media.
He will play right tackle as they move Penei Sewell to the left side. He does come with some back concerns and I think he will ultimately be a star guard.
With Peter Woods off the board — the guy I think would be their perfect pick — the choice is to land a playmaking safety in Thieneman. He can take over the Harrison Smith role. May also consider Florida’s Caleb Banks here, but that is too high for my liking.
I would consider tight end Kenyon Sadiq from Oregon here, but I think landing a speedy playmaker will help the offense more. He would be a nice complement to Tet McMillan.
They need a left tackle and Lomu might have the best athletic ability of any of them. He needs to add more bulk, which he can do. I like him more than Monroe Freeling, which is why he’s the pick.
They seem to be in constant pursuit of edge players, so this works. Lawrence has a lot of juice off the corner and would help aid their pass rush.
Missouri
• Sr
• 6’6″
/ 262 lbs
The 49ers had pass-rush issues last season and Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams are coming off torn ACLs. Young has some pop off the edge and the 49ers need it.
This just works. McDonald is a hard charger who can help a position group that suffered some losses in free agency. It’s the one area — linebacker maybe — on defense that needs some young blood.
I would love to see Steve Spagnuolo’s plan for a player like Stukes. He can line up outside and has played safety and in the slot. He’s a big-time player.
I know this is lower than where he will go, but I don’t love him as much as others. For the Patriots, it would mean adding a playmaker to Drake Maye’s arsenal.