49ers 2018 NFL Draft poll: Who should San Francisco select at No. 9?

With the 2018 NFL Draft a day away, Niner Noise wants you to make the San Francisco 49ers’ selection at No. 9 overall. What’s your pick? We want to know.

OK, San Francisco 49ers fans. Let’s jump ahead about 24 hours to April 26. It’s Round 1 of the 2018 NFL Draft, and the Niners are on the clock at No. 9 overall.

But instead of John Lynch as general manager, you are. The pick is yours, and you have a number of names still left on your big board.

Some of the top non quarterbacks are gone. NC State’s Bradley Chubb goes to the Cleveland Browns at No. 4 overall, while Notre Dame offensive guard Quenton Nelson helps shore up the Indianapolis Colts’ needs along their offensive line.

San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

You don’t need a quarterback, obviously — thank you, Jimmy Garoppolo. But you have plenty of other pressing needs, notably in the pass-rush department, at cornerback and linebacker.

Before you announce your selection, you need to know the skinny behind each top option.

EDGE Harold Landry, Boston College

If edge rusher Harold Landry declared for the draft after his 16.5-sack campaign in 2016, he’d be a bona fide top-five pick. But an ankle injury and inconsistent play limited him to just 8.5 sacks last year.

That’s still pretty good, and you know your 49ers tied for 26th in sack production last year with just 30.

Landry at No. 9 might be a bit of a reach. But he fills a most-pressing need.

Linebacker Roquan Smith, Georgia

This would have been a luxury pick had second-year linebacker Reuben Foster not gotten into legal trouble this offseason. But Foster did, and you need to treat this NFL Draft as if Foster won’t be with the team anymore.

Georgia’s Roquan Smith is one of the biggest defensive playmakers in this year’s draft class. He’s a surefire first rounder, although you are aware good linebackers can be had in later rounds.

On one hand, Smith would be a big-time contributor immediately. But you might be able to save this pick for other needs, hoping for better value later.

Cornerback Denzel Ward, Ohio State

Even after inking All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman in free agency, you’ll likely want to find a top corner to groom and eventually take over starting duties. Maybe as early as this season.

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) /

Ohio State’s Denzel Ward is the best cover corner in this year’s draft, and the 49ers have lacked a true shutdown cornerback for a long time now. He’s a bit on the shorter side (5-foot-10) but plays bigger and could be this year’s version of fellow former Buckeye, Marshon Lattimore.

Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech

At 19 years old, it’s impossible to overlook VA Tech linebacker Tremaine Edmunds’ raw potential.

He’s a moldable piece, capable of playing on the inside or off the edge. But he’s not quite the sum of his parts quite yet. On one hand, Edmunds can be a star in this league. On the other, though, he might not be the immediate-impact player you’ll need — a necessity with most first-round picks.

Defensive Back Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama

Whether it be at safety, outside corner or nickel back, Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick is a “jack of all trades” type defensive back. You have a pressing need at corner but could also look for long-term options at safety, considering Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt are entering contract years.

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While Fitzpatrick has the tools to play at all these positions, he’s probably best suited for an in-the-box safety. There are some questions about his corner coverage skills, and he might not be suited for the last line of defense.

EDGE Marcus Davenport, UTSA

UT San Antonio’s Marcus Davenport might not have as good pass-rushing moves as Landry, but he’s arguably a better three-down player and would serve better against the run.

Davenport is pretty raw but has displayed the physical prowess to make him an easy first-round NFL Draft candidate.

At No. 9, though, going this route might be a reach.

Defensive Back Derwin James, Florida State

Like Fitzpatrick, Florida State’s Derwin James can line up at multiple positions and immediately offer a blend of playmaking power and leadership tendencies. Your 49ers need that on defense right now, especially in the secondary.

James could be a highlight reel in the making. But you have questions about his pure coverage skills and reaction time. Plus, he’s another player with knee-injury questions, and those limited him to just 26 total games his collegiate career.

OK, 49ers fans. Time is running out and you need to get your selection in. Who’s the pick?

Select below. And if you don’t see the name you want at No. 9 (sorry, trade-downs aren’t part of the deal this time), be sure to let us know in the comments section below.

Which player should the 49ers take at No. 9 overall?

EDGE Harold Landry

LB Roquan Smith

DB Denzel Ward

LB Tremaine Edmunds

DB Minkah Fitzpatrick

EDGE Marcus Davenport

DB Derwin James

Other (state in comments)

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Good job. Now you’ve made your first selection, it’s time to start preparing for Round 2.

Or, if you’re feeling spicy, a way to get back into Round 1.

Next: 2018 NFL Draft: Final Round 1 mock for all 32 picks

The 2018 NFL Draft officially kicks off on Thursday, April 26 at 8 p.m. ET. Be sure to follow along with Niner Noise for all your 49ers draft coverage and analysis.