John Lynch says 49ers would be willing to trade down in the NFL Draft

General manager John Lynch addressed some speculation about the San Francisco 49ers possibly trading down in the 2019 NFL Draft, seemingly suggesting they’re willing to do so if the offer was right.

The San Francisco 49ers are in a pretty good position heading into the 2019 NFL Draft.

Currently, the Niners own the No. 2 overall pick right behind the Arizona Cardinals. Recent reports stand in contrast to the speculation the Cardinals will select Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray with the No. 1 overall pick. But during this time of year leading up to the draft itself, it’s not uncommon to see a swath of the proverbial “smoke and mirrors” campaigns.

How much truth there is to those rumors is anyone’s guess, yet it might not affect San Francisco anyway. It’s just as possible the 49ers trade out of the second overall pick regardless what Arizona does at No. 1 overall.

And that’s something general manager John Lynch admitted to the media on Monday.

“If something came to us that was too good to be true … (there are) players we’d be comfortable taking in the middle of the round, like at 10,” Lynch said, via the San Jose Mercury News‘ Cam Inman. “We’ve done our due diligence.”

49ers.com’s Joe Fann backed up Lynch’s assessment:

In the weeks leading up to the NFL Draft, widespread speculation has the Niners grabbing Ohio State EDGE Nick Bosa after the Cardinals take Murray. Lynch also offered up some comments about Bosa’s social media activity, which has drawn some controversy, yet stressed the focus on the talented pass-rusher being a great teammate above all else.

Interestingly enough, however, Lynch’s mentioning of the No. 10 overall pick in his quote is telling. That’s the spot currently occupied by the Denver Broncos, who already have an established trade rapport with Lynch and the 49ers.

Lynch and Broncos general manager John Elway are close, and suggesting a possible trade between the two in this year’s draft wouldn’t be shocking whatsoever.

Especially considering Denver could be one of a number of teams seeking long-term answers at quarterback in an otherwise-thin quarterbacking draft market.

Yet the most important element for Lynch and San Francisco would be seeing what kind of return the Niners would get, should they move down from the No. 2 overall spot. According to Pro Football Talk’s draft-pick value trade chart, the second overall selection is worth a total of 2,600 points, whereas the No. 10 pick is worth 1,300. Based off this guide alone, Denver would need to make up the difference of 1,300 points somehow.

At least it looks as if the Niners would be comfortable with striking such a deal if it was at the right price.