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2016 NFL Draft: 5 Bold Predictions for the San Francisco 49ers

By Peter Panacy

Jan 15, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke during a press conference to introduce Jim Tomsula as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke during a press conference to introduce Jim Tomsula as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Bold Prediction No. 2: LB Ahmad Brooks Gets Traded in the Draft

At 31 years old, outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks probably doesn’t figure into the 49ers’ long-term plans entering the 2016 season.

And he’s one of the more expensive San Francisco commodities on the roster, according to Over the Cap.

Brooks is no longer the Pro Bowl-caliber player he was back in 2013. And with the 49ers beginning to focus on a youth movement, the time to move Brooks may be now. Not only would it give a chance for second-year linebacker Eli Harold — or another prospect perhaps — more field time, but it may also net something nice in return for San Francisco.

Trading Brooks outright probably won’t get much — maybe a late-round pick at best. Remember, the 49ers picked up wide receiver Anquan Boldin for a sixth-round pick. And Boldin was still playing at a high level for the Baltimore Ravens prior to the deal.

But Brooks could be used as a part of a trade-up package at some point in the draft. A wild guess may have the 49ers sending off their own Round 3 pick plus Brooks in a deal that gets the Niners back into the second round. And maybe the 49ers can grab a late-round pick in addition to the trade-up.

Who knows, but such a deal could be entirely possible.

Unless the 49ers like the idea of Brooks being benched during games for the third season in a row.

Next: Baalke Trades Up in Round 1