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) /
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MADISON, WI – NOVEMBER 18: Devin Bush #10 of the Michigan Wolverines intercepts a pass during the third quarter of a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI – NOVEMBER 18: Devin Bush #10 of the Michigan Wolverines intercepts a pass during the third quarter of a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Picks 16 to 20: Devin Bush, Linebacker, Michigan

Linebacker Devin Bush makes a lot of sense at this juncture if the 49ers trade down to the late teen picks.

In my draft prospect profile of Bush, I gushed over his heart and his blitzing ability, saying:

"Bush had great production at Michigan, and what will intrigue teams most in his sack total and his pass deflections. Linebackers that can defend well against the pass are always in vogue in the passing era, and Bush is one of the best prospects,, if not the best, in that regard. Bush is also a great player to have on your team. He loves football and plays with an endless motor. He’s a true team player on and off the field, and should be a high-character guy for whoever drafts him."

The Niners are extremely likely to add a linebacker in the draft, and potentially early as well. What sets Bush apart from the rest, though, is that blitzing ability. Bush’s ability to be an effective pass-rushing option could mean he carves out his own identity within the 49ers linebackers.

They could also consider

Interior offensive line is in play here with some good prospects, and Oklahoma’s Cody Ford and possibly Boston College’s Chris Lindstrom if they want a minor reach, for a few are in play here as pretty dependable picks to help with protection.

Metcalf would be someone to consider here, too, as could Hockenson, if he falls this far.