Niner Noise
FanSided

Power ranking the 49ers’ 2019 NFL Draft options at No. 4 heading into Week 16

By Jeremy Wohlfart

LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 22: Josh Allen #41 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates during the 28-7 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Commonwealth Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 22: Josh Allen #41 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates during the 28-7 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Commonwealth Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/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: Draft one of the defensive tackles not named Quinnen Williams

Why this makes sense

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

There’s really a lot of players that could qualify for this spot:

Obviously, more than a few players could go very high that fill this category.

There’s still a lot of the NFL Draft process to go and a few more college games to finish the season for some of these players, so exactly which players raise their stock is unknown (the above list is in no particular order in terms of draft ranking or player ability).

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is a stud for the 49ers, who will be the linchpin of the defense for years to come, but he still needs help along the defensive front. Defensive tackle is easily the deepest position in this draft, and can benefit the Niners if they find a perfect partner for Buckner.

The 49ers still have a high pick, and they have enough positions that they could upgrade that they should go the best player available as well. If this is one of the defensive tackles mentioned, the team should not hesitate to invest another first round pick into the defensive line.

Some are wondering why Alabama’s Quinnen Williams is not included. The answer is there is almost zero chance, barring an injury or a massive run of trades (see the No. 2 slide for more), of him falling to San Francisco’s pick.

While it is not my policy to normally advocate such things, I am fully behind the 49ers sprinting, not walking but sprinting, to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell if he or Ohio State EDGE Nick Bosa were available.

Why it may not happen

None of the defensive tackles mentioned have especially impressive stats when it comes to rushing the passer, which is the top priority of the team.

That doesn’t mean that they can’t be effective pass-rushers at the next level. But with no standout, San Francisco may be better suited to trading down instead, unless one puts himself above the rest of the pack.