San Francisco 49ers: 3 players to welcome under the Christmas tree

This would have to be a gift for San Francisco.

According to Football Outsiders, the 49ers have only a 1.5 percent chance of landing the top pick in the NFL Draft, meaning the chance to land the consensus No. 1 overall player in this year’s class appear slim to none.

San Francisco 49ers

Ohio State EDGE Nick Bosa likely goes tops in April’s draft, meaning the Niners would either have to trade up to the No. 1 spot or hope for a miracle of sorts, watching Bosa slip down in the order.

Here’s why Bosa would be so important to San Francisco, according to the Draft Network’s Joe Marino:

"San Francisco is in need of pass rush off the edge and Bosa is a blue chip talent that has the makings of a dynamic edge rusher in the NFL. He can be that Khalil Mack/Von Miller/Myles Garrett type of game-changing presence."

Since trading up is extremely unlikely for John Lynch given the context, let’s set the surprise gift instead. Here’s to hoping for the No. 3 overall pick in the draft order. And let’s also hope the Arizona Cardinals, Oakland Raiders and/or the New York Jets somehow find a way to win in Week 17.

That wouldn’t get the 49ers a top selection automatically. But it could ultimately influence other teams’ efforts to trade up to grab one of only a few pro-ready quarterbacks. And that can get crazy, much like it did in 2016, which could push Bosa down towards San Francisco.

A gift? Absolutely. It would have to be one for the Niners to get their top need.