49ers: Who experts are mocking to San Francisco in the 2018 NFL Draft

Niner Noise takes a look around the league to see which players NFL Draft experts are mocking to the San Francisco 49ers in Round 1 in 2018. Are these reasonable assumptions?

With the New York Giants’ win on Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers still own the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Along with the Niners, the Giants and winless Cleveland Browns are still in line for the top-three picks in April’s draft. And while the order could change somewhat between now and the end of the season, it’s a pretty safe bet San Francisco will wind up picking within this area.

Niner Noise took a look around the league to see what experts were saying in their latest mock drafts about the Niners’ first choice this April.

San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

There’s a variety of choices, as you’ll see below, but one player seems to be more popular than the rest.

Let’s take a look at who the experts tab to San Francisco in Round 1.

Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated: RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State

"Barkley’s had a rough go the last couple weeks, but he’s still the best pure prospect in the class. The question will be how the teams drafting high value running backs."

Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: OG Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame

"Jimmy Garoppolo needs a more imposing group of wide receivers. With loads of money to spend in free agency, expect GM John Lynch to address that. How about up front though? Nelson is the best offensive lineman in this class and will be a pick made with Aaron Donald and the Seahawks pass-rush in mind."

Steve Palazzolo, Pro Football Focus: S Derwin James, Florida State

"After trading for QB Jimmy Garoppolo, the 49ers may be able to grab the best non-quarterback at the top of the draft, and from a pure value standpoint, James is the guy. His versatility is tailor-made for the NFL, as he can make an impact at all levels of the defense, from deep safety to playing at the line of scrimmage, and he gives the 49ers a playmaker in the secondary after leading the nation with a 91.2 grade as a true freshman in 2015 and currently ranking sixth at 87.4 overall."

Rob Goldberg, Bleacher Report: RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State

"If [Barkley] goes to the right situation, he could have as big an impact in his first year as Ezekiel Elliott had with the Cowboys where he immediately became one of the most dangerous running backs in the NFL.The 49ers don’t have as good a setup, but they do need offensive playmakers, especially if Carlos Hyde leaves in free agency. Assuming they lock down Jimmy Garoppolo, giving their future quarterback some help would be an ideal move."

Luke Easterling, Draft Wire: RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State

"Trading for Jimmy Garoppolo should free the 49ers up to take the best available player here, and that’s Barkley. Don’t let the box scores fool you, Barkley is still an elite prospect who will be more productive when he’s not facing stacked boxes with a weak offensive line."

So it’s pretty much a universal thought the Niners will take running back Saquon Barkley at No. 2 overall, assuming they stay there.

A couple of problems with this, though. Tabbing a running back so early isn’t exactly the approach head coach Kyle Shanahan and running backs coach Bobby Turner have. They’re far more patient and would probably address this position later in the NFL Draft.

More from Niner Noise

Interestingly enough, CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso mocked Notre Dame offensive guard Quenton Nelson to the 49ers, which lined up with Niner Noise’s own most recent mock. The only difference being San Francisco traded down from No. 2 to increase the value.

A trade-down certainly wouldn’t be out of the question. General manager moved down from No. 2 to No. 3 last year with the Chicago Bears, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see a similar move made this year.

Next: 2018 NFL Draft: Round 1 mock post trade deadline

If that’s the case, Barkley probably doesn’t fall to San Francisco.

2018 NFL Draft: Who the experts are mocking to the 49ers at No. 2

By Peter Panacy | Nov 20, 2017