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San Francisco 49ers: 5 options for the No. 1 pick in 2019 NFL Draft

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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ANNAPOLIS, MD – OCTOBER 20: Ed Oliver #10 of the Houston Cougars looks on after the Houston Cougars defeated the Navy Midshipmen at Navy-Marines Memorial Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
ANNAPOLIS, MD – OCTOBER 20: Ed Oliver #10 of the Houston Cougars looks on after the Houston Cougars defeated the Navy Midshipmen at Navy-Marines Memorial Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Go After Houston’s Ed Oliver

Not long ago, it wasn’t hard to find big boards out there listing Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver the best prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Not Nick Bosa.

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Oliver’s recent run-in with Houston coach Major Applewhite, combined with other character concerns, could be a reason we’re seeing the talented defender drop a bit in overall rankings. Still, that doesn’t change the fact Oliver is one of the most prolific players to come out this year, and he’ll likely be the cornerstone piece for whichever defense he calls home the next four-plus seasons.

He’s not an edge rusher. Oliver’s talents are in the middle, although it wouldn’t be a shock to see teams experiment with him off the edge. Oliver’s violence, hand usage and strength are all traits that would make defensive coordinators beg and plead with general managers to make the selection on draft day.

This would, of course, make the 49ers defensive line more than a bit crowded. But Arik Armstead, whose fifth-year option was picked up earlier this year, could be cut before the league new year with zero financial ramifications. And if the Niners decide taking Solomon Thomas at No. 3 overall in 2017 was a mistake, using their first 2019 pick on a player like Oliver would be a nice consolation prize.

For those in doubt, just remember how dominant San Francisco’s defensive front was with now-retired defensive end Justin Smith.

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Oliver is that kind of player, who’ll make everyone around him that much better.