49ers 2019 NFL Draft: Latest news, rumors and reports

49ers Dangling Arik Armstead as Trade Bait?

Let’s assume the Niners are seriously interested in Quinnen Williams, not Nick Bosa, at No. 2 overall.

As Matt Maiocco pointed out, that would create a lot of competition for only a handful of spots along the defensive line, primarily casting some doubts on the respective futures of defensive tackles Solomon Thomas and Arik Armstead.

Out of the two, San Francisco would seem to be more equipped to move on from Armstead, who is playing on his fifth-year option and is poised to hit free agency in 2020.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, moving Armstead as a trade commodity during the NFL Draft is a possibility:

"The veteran trade market should be active this week. …Teams are keeping an eye on former Cardinals first-rounder Robert Nkemdiche. And San Francisco’s Arik Armstead could be involved in discussions, too (although I’m told he is in the Niners’ plans at this point)."

Key phrase: “at this point.”

Similarly, Pro Football Talk reported the Niners are also shopping their 2017 top pick, Thomas, who has largely underachieved since being selected No. 3 overall that year:

Much of this would likely depend on what the 49ers do at No. 2 overall. If Williams winds up being the pick, it wouldn’t be overly shocking to see John Lynch reach out to see if interest in Armstead, the Niners’ top pick from the 2015 NFL Draft, and/or Thomas exists.

Perhaps an attempt to move around somewhere to grab a wide receiver in Round 2?