2016 NFL Draft: Predicting 49ers GM Trent Baalke’s Priority List
By Rob Lowder
Tie Up Loose Ends
This is likely the most straight-forward process of Baalke’s draft priorities, but that is not saying much.
First and the most obvious, quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
His decline has been due to what seems to be a seemingly endless list of circumstances that are best left discussed elsewhere.
Simply stated, the former 49ers’ starting QB wants to play elsewhere and Baalke should do what is necessary to ensure that happens.
Adam Schefter reports:
"San Francisco and Denver have the parameters of an agreement in principle on a trade for quarterback Colin Kaepernick, sources said, but before any deal can be completed, Kaepernick and the Broncos have to agree on a restructured contract."
While Baalke has little control over the contract negotiations between Kaepernick and the Broncos, if the trade does reach his desk, he needs to be prepared to sign it, even if it means budging some on the reported second-round pick price tag.
In addition to Colin Kaepernick, we have former starting right tackle Anthony Davis.
After taking a year off, it seems that Davis is ready to rejoin the 49ers roster.
Or is he?
If Anthony Davis’ April fools day tweet is to be taken seriously, perhaps Baalke should explore possible trade suitors for him as well. It would be complicated, given the time he’s spent away from the NFL, but may be worth exploring given his attitude.
One would be safe in assuming that after so much time away from football, Davis would be more eager to return to his team and make an impact.
At the very least, find a way to get Anthony Davis in the building the determine if he will have any of his former talents to offer a 49ers offensive line that could desperately use his services.
Knowing the fate of both these players would have a significant impact on draft strategy, and Baalke would be wise to bring these situations to a close before April 28th, 2016, before he executes his final priority.
Next: Priority 5