San Francisco 49ers: Why trading for Raiders’ Khalil Mack makes sense

The price is worth it

This one is likely the reason people against a trade are against it, so let’s get it out of the way.

Will Khalil Mack only be traded for a major bounty of picks? Yes. Are there teams out there who will pay that price? Yes. Is this too much for Mack? No.

San Francisco 49ers

No.

Mack is one of the best players in the NFL, and one of the few defensive players worth investing an arm and a leg in. He would fit with the 49ers, and he would play well.

But there’s also one other factor, and his name is Lynch. Specifically his drafting ability.

While it’s too early to see how his first draft class will ultimately pan out, and certainly too early to pass any judgment on the second, Lynch has a knack for finding talent late in the draft.

From his first draft class alone, no less than four players taken in the third round or later are currently starting. Witherspoon, George Kittle, Trent Taylor and Adrian Colbert. Only Witherspoon was taken before the fifth round.

Also worth considering is nose tackle D.J. Jones, who has impressed so much that he could potentially start this season.

There’s been a lot of exciting late-round talent from the second class as well, especially defensive tackle Jullian Taylor and wide receiver Richie James. While none are slated to start this season, it’s only increased the reputation of Lynch in the draft room.

In stark contrast to his successor, it must be said.

First-round picks are key to any teams future. But if a team can find those steals later in the draft, then it becomes less of a problem to deal them. Lynch could easily cover the loss of the picks it would cost to bring Mack across the bay.