Niner Noise
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2018 NFL Draft: 5 scenario predictions for the 49ers in Round 1

By Peter Panacy

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack reacts after a win against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Carter Finley Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 33-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack reacts after a win against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Carter Finley Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 33-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

No. 3: No. 3: EDGE Bradley Chubb and CB Denzel Ward Both Fall to 49ers

Remember that run on quarterbacks?

Let’s assume it happens, albeit on a smaller scale. And no one is pickup up the phone calls John Lynch is making.

As things pan out in the NFL Draft, NC State edge rusher Bradley Chubb and cornerback Denzel Ward both fall to San Francisco at either No. 9 or No. 10.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 02: Denzel Ward #12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates an interception against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 02: Denzel Ward #12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates an interception against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Then what?

Lynch can’t pick both, despite needs at these positions, unless the craziest of crazy moves takes place. So he’ll have to pick. Which one does he go with?

Both Ward and Chubb have been mocked to San Francisco in various projections. And both would help improve the defense significantly. For the selection, though, let’s turn to Pro Football Focus’ Steve Palazzolo’s tabbing of Chubb to the Niners:

"The defensive line has been a consistent theme to recent 49ers’ first rounds, but Chubb brings a different dynamic to the table. He finished No. 6 overall among edge defenders at 89.4, including the No. 3 mark against the run and the No. 11 grade as a pass-rusher."

CBS Sports’ latest big board lists Chubb as the No. 1 overall prospect. He might not be quite on the same level of hype current Browns EDGE Myles Garrett generated last year. But Chubb is close.

So talk about a great value grab by Lynch and the 49ers here.

Plus, a secondary is only as good as the pass rush. Good pass-rushers can take the pressure off coverage guys, making their jobs significantly easier.

John Lynch’s Reaction: When faced with a decision between Chubb and Ward, the Niners get stronger up front and look to bolster the secondary on day two of the NFL Draft.