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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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Nov 22, 2014; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) signals to sidelines during the second quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2014; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) signals to sidelines during the second quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports /

Bold Prediction No. 1: GM Trent Baalke Moves Up in the First Round

You wanted bold predictions, right? Well here you go.

For starters, the 49ers own enough picks to make a move up from No. 7 overall. San Francisco has a total of six picks between Rounds 3 through 5 and, if one considers the possibility on the previous slide, a move-up into the top five isn’t totally out of the question.

For this case, let’s go into the top three picks.

Let’s imagine a scenario in which general manager Trent Baalke is locked in on quarterback Jared Goff. Recent buzz, according to Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, suggests the Cleveland Browns (pick No. 2) are very much interested in North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz.

That leaves Goff on the table. At least for the moment.

It isn’t out of the question for the Dallas Cowboys to be considering a move for a signal-caller to eventually replace aging veteran and oft-injured QB Tony Romo. The Cowboys own the No. 4 pick in the draft.

So if there’s reported interest between Dallas and Goff, the 49ers may be forced to move into the No. 3 slot (San Diego Chargers) in order to block the Cowboys landing the Cal prospect.

And the Chargers have plenty of needs as well.

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Going back to our Walter Football draft chart, the 49ers would be forced to come up with some 700 points. Such a move would likely cost a second-round pick as well as a third rounder. Or the 49ers could defer until next year’s draft and/or put together some sort of player package.

Again, a variety of scenarios are possible. But if the Niners are sold on Goff and feel as if the Cowboys are as well, Baalke could easily get aggressive.

Next: 5 Senior Bowl Prospects who Impressed During the Game

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated. Additional draft information courtesy of CBS Sports.