2019 NFL Draft: What 49ers do if the Cardinals select Nick Bosa

While it seems likely the Arizona Cardinals take Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray first in the 2019 NFL Draft, grabbing Ohio State EDGE Nick Bosa instead could alter the San Francisco 49ers’ plans in Round 1.

With less than a month remaining before the 2019 NFL Draft, all signs are pointing to the San Francisco 49ers winding up with the consensus No. 1 prospect in this year’s class at No. 2 overall, Ohio State EDGE Nick Bosa.

This, of course, is contingent on the top-drafting Arizona Cardinals following speculation and drafting Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray with the first pick.

But what if the Cardinals don’t follow suit and end up grabbing Bosa instead? What if the rumor mill proves to be false?

That opens up the door for a slew of different possibilities and contingency plans for general manager John Lynch and Co. Should he stay put and grab another top-ranked prospect? Is trading down an option? Or will Lynch reach for a player, perhaps someone not tabbed as a top-three candidate but still filling a vital need the Niners need to address?

All are possible.

One of the most logical fallback options would be San Francisco simply drafting Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams at No. 2. After all, it’s not hard to find breakdowns actually listing Williams the better player in this year’s NFL Draft over Bosa. Choosing between the two (the Niners are guaranteed that chance) is a good problem to have, as Niner Noise’s Jeremy Wohlfart pointed out.

Yet Williams or Bosa would create a logjam on the defensive line, made even more complicated following the recent trade for former Kansas City Chiefs EDGE Dee Ford. Grabbing either Bosa or Williams is likely going to push one of the Niners’ other two first-round defensive linemen, Arik Armstead or Solomon Thomas, out of a starting position in one form or another.

Armstead is a free agent in 2020, and Thomas has mostly underwhelmed over his first two years at the pro level. So pick your player to bump out, including long-term implications beyond this year.

Another option, of course, would be for Lynch to grab Kentucky EDGE Josh Allen, who isn’t your prototypical defensive end, but rather a strong-side (SAM) linebacker with traits capable of moving onto the line in passing downs.

Allen has a tremendous skill set, also filling a vital hole the 49ers have on that side of their defense. His stock has also risen tremendously, following his impressive 17-sack campaign in 2018 and eye-popping NFL Scouting Combine performance.

In terms of overall need, Allen seems to be the best fit. But drafting solely for need isn’t always the best strategy.

There are two other options, of course. One is to see Lynch trade out of the No. 2 spot, enticing one of the numerous quarterback-needy teams into a bidding war for that pick while receiving a hefty haul of draft picks in return. San Francisco could also be eyeing other edge rushers later in Round 1, including Florida State’s Brian Burns and Mississippi State’s Montez Sweat, who could be had later.

Lynch could also reach, too, grabbing a cornerback or wide receiver at that spot, knowing it’s not the best value but still addressing a top need.

So, what do the Niners do?

An educated guess, should Arizona go with Bosa, would be the 49ers targeting Williams at No. 2. Yes, this means either Armstead or Thomas loses a starting gig. But there’s an argument to be made neither fits into San Francisco’s long-term plans anymore anyway.

And Williams is surely a player the defense would want to continue building around moving forward.

What say you, 49ers fans? If the Cardinals go with Bosa, what would you prefer to see the Niners do with the next pick? Speak up in the comments section!