Niner Noise
FanSided

2019 NFL Draft: Predicting every possible 49ers trade-down selection

By Jeremy Wohlfart

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 30: Montez Sweat #9 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts after a tackle for loss against the Louisville Cardinals during the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bulldogs won 31-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 30: Montez Sweat #9 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts after a tackle for loss against the Louisville Cardinals during the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bulldogs won 31-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 7
Next
IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 04: Tight end T.J. Hockenson #38 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates a touchdown during the third quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 04, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 04: Tight end T.J. Hockenson #38 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates a touchdown during the third quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 04, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

Pick 11 to 15: T.J. Hockenson, Tight End, Iowa

I have devoted more than one article to the 49ers taking an Iowa tight end to pair with George Kittle, and I still believe strongly the offense would take on a huge identity, as well as an exciting future with two tight ends on the roster as exciting as Kittle and T.J. Hockenson.

Hockenson has improved his stock to the point he could be the first offensive weapon off the board (outside the quarterbacks), and it isn’t hard to see why. Hockenson can catch, block, run and just about threaten to score on every play.

Teams would have to respect both Hockenson and Kittle on the field, and the fact both can block means they have to also account for whoever is running the ball.

There’s also the fact having to focus on two such prolific players inside will help the receivers on the outside as well, as there will be less focus on them by the defense.

It’s an offensive formation that would be unusual but perfect for the passing era of the NFL.

They could also consider

Could Ole Miss wide receiver D.K. Metcalf be considered here? It’s hard to tell which team will fall in love with him. But if he’s available this far into the first round, the 49ers could take the risk.

An EDGE prospect in this deep class wouldn’t go astray, either. Clemson’s Clelin Ferrell and Florida State’s Brian Burns could be possibilities here, as could Sweat if his heart condition drops him this far.