Niner Noise
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2018 NFL Draft: 3 scenarios for the 49ers trading down in Round 1

By Peter Panacy

Commissioner Roger Goodell names a pick by the San Francisco 49ers during the 2016 NFL Draft (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
Commissioner Roger Goodell names a pick by the San Francisco 49ers during the 2016 NFL Draft (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /
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ALAMEDA, CA – JANUARY 30: Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie looks on during a press conference on January 30, 2012 in Alameda, California. Dennis Allen was introduced as the new coach of the Oakland Raiders, replacing Hue Jackson who was fired after one season. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
ALAMEDA, CA – JANUARY 30: Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie looks on during a press conference on January 30, 2012 in Alameda, California. Dennis Allen was introduced as the new coach of the Oakland Raiders, replacing Hue Jackson who was fired after one season. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /

Scenario No. 3: 49ers trade with… the Raiders?

Wait, so why would the 49ers trade back down with the Oakland Raiders after winning the coin toss at the NFL Scouting Combine to determine who owns No. 9 overall?

Well, to stockpile more picks, of course.

Remember, moving a single spot down a year ago netted the Niners three draft picks from the Bears. The ninth overall spot has a different value, of course, so we have to adjust the projection.

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To do so, let’s look at Oakland’s picks, courtesy of Draft Wire:

  • 1st round | 10th overall
  • 2nd round | 41st overall
  • 3rd round | 77th overall
  • 4th round | 110th overall
  • 6th round | 185th overall
  • 6th round | 192nd overall (from SEA)
  • 6th round | 210th overall (compensatory)
  • 6th round | 212th overall (compensatory)
  • 6th round | 216th overall (compensatory)
  • 6th round | 217th overall (compensatory)
  • 7th round | 228th overall

Oakland is going to be busy in Round 6. But general manager Reggie McKenzie needs impact defensive players right away.

So how does this work?

Let’s imagine a scenario in which the 49ers and Raiders are both competing for the services of Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith. Oakland could use Smith’s services now, while San Francisco sees him as a bit of a luxury pick and insurance for Reuben Foster.

What’s that worth to the Raiders? A fourth rounder. Not quite? Well, let’s swap selections in Round 6. That’ll do it.

This probably won’t happen. But it’s worth envisioning a scenario in which the 49ers are eyeing a prospect they “really” want, only to promote a bidding war the Raiders want to win.

Next: Rethinking 49ers' NFL Draft big board after free agency

Smith goes to Oakland, the Niners stockpile more picks and everyone wins.