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San Fransisco 49ers: 5 Steps for a Successful 2016 NFL Draft

By Rob Lowder

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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Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Avoid Mortgaging the Future

See Los Angeles Rams.

With the presumed hope of landing a franchise quarterback, the Rams traded way up with the Tennessee Titans and paid dearly to do so. Paul Kuharsky of ESPN sheds light on the blockbuster trade:

"Tennessee sent the top selection along with its fourth- (No. 113) and sixth-round (No. 177) picks this year to the Rams in exchange for Los Angeles’ first-round pick (No. 15), two second-round selections (Nos. 43 and 45) and a third-round pick (No. 76) in 2016. The Titans also will get the Rams’ first- and third-round picks in 2017."

While it is tough to argue against a trade of this magnitude if their target player develops into what they hope, that is a rather expensive “if” that places the team’s future at risk.

In a state of open reconstruction, 49ers should avoid a trade that comes anywhere close to this magnitude.

According to Jason La Canfora, the Browns are reportedly looking to trade down now that their primary target is at risk, meaning the opportunity will be there for Baalke to make a bold move if he sees fit.

Unless the price to move up to the second overall pick is surprisingly reasonable, the 49ers should hold steady with the seventh selection and allow the beginning of the draft to develop before making a move up or down.

Next: Step 2: Trenches