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San Francisco 49ers: Possible trade-up, trade-down targets for the NFL Draft

By Jeremy Wohlfart

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: A detailed view of the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: A detailed view of the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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Pick No. 1 to No. 3: Saquon Barkley, Running Back, Penn State

Has there been a single more-hyped person in college football all season? I would love to see that player!

No running back has been the No. 1 selection in the NFL Draft in the 21st century. In fact, you have to go back to 1995 where Ki-Jana Carter was selected No. 1 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals.

This is noteworthy for two interesting reasons. Firstly, for those who don’t know, Carter played his college football also at Penn State. Secondly a team traded up to get him, as the Bengals traded with the Carolina Panthers for the No. 1 pick to get him.

Barkley would be the obvious target for the 49ers if running back Carlos Hyde turns out not to be part of their future plans. Teams sold out to stop him, yet he still ran for 1,271 yards at a 5.9 yards-per-carry average and 18 touchdowns. He also contributed heavily in the passing game, going career high for catches (54) and yards (632) and added three touchdowns to his total.

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) /

They could also consider

We can’t rule out defense, though, and there is one player worth taking. That would be N.C. State standout Bradley Chubb.

Chubb is a precise fit for the Niners and their need for a EDGE. He took career highs this season in tackles (both solo tackles with 39 and total tackles with 72), tackles for loss (23.0) and equaling his record for sacks (10.0).

It’s hard not to notice Chubb. He took home the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Bronco Nagurski award and Ted Hendricks award.

It’s hard to fathom it being anyone else but these two, but given the need for a lead running back (if Hyde departs), I have to think it’s Barkley.