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2018 NFL Draft: 5 prospects the 49ers can target with their first pick

By Peter Panacy

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 03: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide returns an interception for a touchdown against the Florida Gators in the first quarter during the SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on December 3, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 03: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide returns an interception for a touchdown against the Florida Gators in the first quarter during the SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on December 3, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – OCTOBER 21: Courtland Sutton #16 of the Southern Methodist Mustangs runs the ball after reception as Chris Murphy #30 of the Cincinnati Bearcats reaches for the tackle at Nippert Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – OCTOBER 21: Courtland Sutton #16 of the Southern Methodist Mustangs runs the ball after reception as Chris Murphy #30 of the Cincinnati Bearcats reaches for the tackle at Nippert Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

The San Francisco 49ers will own the ninth or 10th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, and Niner Noise explores five prospects general manager John Lynch should target with the selection.

The San Francisco 49ers are fortunate enough to finish with a top-10 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft despite ending 2017 on a five-game winning streak.

It’s a win-win situation, as the Niners concluded last year with some valuable momentum yet still have a chance to land some top-tier talent early in Round 1.

General manager John Lynch will be armed with either the ninth or 10th overall pick in the draft — the order to be determined by a coin flip with the Oakland Raiders during the NFL Scouting Combine between now and draft day.

More from SF 49ers Draft

And depending on what happens with on-roster decisions and free agency, Lynch will have one of a number of choices with that selection on day one of the NFL Draft.

The 49ers’ needs aren’t short despite the end-of-season success. A starting cornerback is high on the list. So is interior help along the offensive line. One can look at skill positions, like wide receiver and running back. And San Francisco shouldn’t avoid pass-rushing needs either.

In this slideshow, we’ll break down five specific prospect targets Lynch and the Niners may consider with their first pick. We should also mention San Francisco will benefit from a number of teams on the market for a quarterback, likely pushing some top-five players down the list.

If that’s the case, who winds up going to the 49ers in Round 1?

Let’s take a look at some names.

All scouting reports those of Niner Noise unless otherwise indicated.