49ers: Who analysts mock to San Francisco in latest NFL Draft projections

With the No. 9 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers will have their shot at a top prospect. Niner Noise looks around the league to see who that prospect is, according to experts’ latest mock drafts.

It’s April, meaning mock NFL Draft season is in full effect. And with the No. 9 overall pick, the San Francisco 49ers are still poised to land a top-10 player despite finishing last year on a five-game winning streak.

But who?

Niner Noise has already come up with some projections. A two-round, 32-team mock has Florida State’s Derwin James going to San Francisco, while Niner Noise’s Aaron Tan has the Niners trading down and grabbing Boston College EDGE Harold Landry at No. 12.

San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Let’s see what else is out there, shall we?

Charley Casserly, NFL.com: EDGE Marcus Davenport, UTSA

"The Niners are in desperate need of a pass rusher and Davenport helps them get after the quarterback. … Chicago and San Francisco could be looking at the same players at this juncture in the draft."

Chad Reuter, NFL.com: DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama (mock trade with Bills)

"The Niners trade down three spots, pick up an extra selection and still get the guy they wanted in Fitzpatrick."

Mel Kiper, ESPN: DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama

"San Francisco picked up Richard Sherman before free agency started, but its defensive backfield still isn’t set. The 49ers could take the versatile Fitzpatrick and use him in a hybrid safety role in which he plays some slot corner, too. He’s a true playmaker with the size and athleticism to play any position in the secondary. General manager John Lynch showed last year that he isn’t afraid to make draft-day trades, so this is a spot to watch for teams moving up."

Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports: DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama

"The Niners need a corner in this draft, and you have to imagine John Lynch would be thrilled to see Fitzpatrick on the board here."

Steve Palazzolo, Pro Football Focus: EDGE Harold Landry, Boston College

"Yes, the 49ers continue to draft defensive linemen in the first round, but Landry brings a body type and skillset not currently on the roster. He has the explosiveness to win on the edge and it showed up in 2016 when he finished with 18 sacks, seven QB hits and 44 hurries on only 322 rushes. He regressed slightly in 2017 while also battling injury, but at his best, he’s the top pass-rusher in the class while adding solid play against the run, and the 49ers have a chance to add another valuable piece to their defensive front."

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: ILB Roquan Smith, Georgia

"The preference here would’ve been [Quenton] Nelson, and you have to wonder if San Francisco will make a play for the Notre Dame guard. If not, they could target an edge player like Harold Landry here, or go with Smith. With Reuben Foster facing an unknown future, the 49ers could draft a team captain and playmaker in Smith."

More from Niner Noise

According to the list of mocks from selected analysts, the sizable majority feel as if Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick will be the 49ers’ selection.

It’s not a bad choice. Despite bringing aboard veteran corner Richard Sherman during the offseason, San Francisco still would like to have a long-term solution at the position and find someone capable of taking over for the All-Pro at some point down the line.

In the meantime, Fitzpatrick can be a versatile defensive back capable of lining up all over the field — a valuable commodity in today’s pass-happy league.

Two of the top-three pass-rushers in this year’s NFL Draft, the other being NC State’s Bradley Chubb, are also possible targets, according to some analysts. Both EDGEs Harold Landry and Marcus Davenport would make sense. Especially after San Francisco finished 2017 tied for 26th with just 30 sacks.

With a relatively deep cornerback class in this year’s draft, it’s also a thought general manager John Lynch might postpone the corner needs until later rounds. He would then focus on a thinner position, such as edge rusher, prompting the idea of Landry or Davenport to San Francisco.

At any rate, the NFL Draft isn’t far away. So which prospect would you like to see go to the 49ers in Round 1?

Next: 49ers 4-round mock NFL Draft with trades

Be sure to chime in on the comments section to speak your mind!

2018 NFL Draft: Who do the 49ers get in analysts’ latest mocks?

By Peter Panacy | Apr 6, 2018