Niner Noise
FanSided

2018 NFL Draft top-10 mock: Bradley Chubb or Quenton Nelson fall to 49ers?

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 Jeff Zelevansky/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 Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson in action during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson in action during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

X-Factors Keeping Bradley Chubb and Quenton Nelson from the 49ers

It’s still highly unlikely Bradley Chubb falls all the way to San Francisco at No. 9 overall. He’d likely be the pick if both Chubb and Quenton Nelson dropped that far in the draft.

The reason being this year’s offensive guard class is notably deeper than quality edge rushers.

More from Niner Noise

Both the Buccaneers and Colts have pass-rush needs after finishing 31st and 32nd, respectively, in sack production last year. Yet the Colts could grab a key offensive piece, such as Saquon Barkley, addressing another key need this offseason.

Meanwhile, the Bucs could look for help in the secondary too. Both moves could push Chubb down.

Nelson falling is equally plausible, perhaps a bit more likely.

A major X-factor here is Chicago. The Bears lost veteran offensive guard Josh Sitton to the Miami Dolphins in free agency. Chicago will need to replace him. But while there are good enough guards later in the draft, elite-level defensive backs aren’t quite as deep. Should the Bears go with targeting the thinner pool, Nelson could fall to San Francisco.

At any rate, there are likely to be some more shakeups between now and Round 1 of the 2018 NFL Draft, which kicks off on Apr. 26.

Next: Ranking 49ers' top NFL Draft needs after free agency

Be sure to stay tuned to Niner Noise for continues draft coverage and analysis.