San Francisco 49ers: 2019 NFL Draft tracker with grades and analysis
By Chris Wilson
The Arizona Cardinals indeed lived up to speculation, taking Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray at No. 1 overall.
This allowed the Niners to simply sit back and let Ohio State EDGE Nick Bosa fall right into their collective lap at No. 2.
A no-brainer choice, for sure.
Bosa is widely viewed as this year’s top prospect, so San Francisco getting him in the second spot is about as good a value as it could get.
Earlier in the day, however, there were rumors the 49ers could move either defensive tackle Arik Armstead or Solomon Thomas at some point during the draft. It makes sense, given Bosa creates something of a logjam amid an already-deep defensive line.
That said, it’s possible to see how Bosa’s fit would work. A prolific pass-rusher, Bosa is all but guaranteed to be on the field during passing downs. Yet he’s excellent against the run, too, meaning the Niners got a three-down player.
This would allow San Francisco to keep fellow EDGE Dee Ford, who’ll likely occupy the weak side in passing situations, off the field on run downs in base formations. Bosa could play either the weak side here or stay on the strong side, allowing run stoppers like Armstead and Thomas to play the opposite side.
There are going to be some questions about Bosa’s 2018 abdominal injury, sure. But the fact the Niners got a true impact player right out of the gate is about the best-case scenario the team could have received.
Grade: A+