Where do 49ers stand in post-2019 NFL Draft power rankings?

With the 2019 NFL Draft now a wrap, Niner Noise peruses the web to see where the San Francisco 49ers are in analysts’ post-draft NFL power rankings.

It’s kind of silly to judge whether or not any team made substantial leaps over another, in terms of NFL power rankings, especially when such movement is based off the NFL Draft and the additions of prospects who have yet to see one snap at the pro level.

But it’s still fun to talk about and debate. So, with the San Francisco 49ers grabbing arguably the best player from the 2019 draft, Ohio State EDGE Nick Bosa, how are the experts around the league viewing the Niners as training camp nears this summer?

Niner Noise dished out our own NFL power rankings just before the draft last month, and we’ll issue out our own post-draft rankings here shortly.

Meanwhile, let’s take a look at how last month’s draft influenced San Francisco’s rankings, according to experts and analysts from around the league.

Elliot Harrison, NFL.com: 21 (-1)

"Debated long and hard about the 49ers’ spot in these rankings, originally placing them above both the Jags and Lions in an early version. The issue in the revision remains the unknowns surrounding Jimmy Garoppolo, who flashed in 2017 but still must prove his status as a franchise quarterback. Making Garoppolo’s job easier is the acquisition of two prime prospects outside: second-round pick Deebo Samuel out of South Carolina and third-round pick Jalen Hurd from Baylor. The latter limited Alvin Kamara’s touches while at Tennessee before transferring to Waco. Think about that statement — take your time. Nick Bosa was the headliner of GM John Lynch’s draft booty, but all three of these prospects could be contributing factors to San Francisco wins early next season. The Niners are almost certain to climb this league hierarchy."

Nate Davis, USA Today Sports: 18 (+2)

"If coach Kyle Shanahan finally gets to play with a full deck this season, this club should be really fun to watch — on both sides of the ball."

Bleacher Report Staff: 16 (High 17, Low 18)

"Here we go again.At this time a year ago, the San Francisco 49ers were one of the most hyped teams in the NFL after a wildly aggressive offseason from general manager John Lynch.Then, injuries eviscerated the roster and everything fell apart—so much so that the 49ers wound up with the second overall pick in this year’s draft.That pick was used on Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa, who joins fellow newcomer to San Francisco Dee Ford on a front that includes no less than three other former first-rounders in DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead and Solomon Thomas. …The 49ers spent two Day 2 picks on wide receiver help in Jalen Hurd and Deebo Samuel, who has the look of a Day 1 starter.This is a talented enough team to contend for a playoff spot if the 49ers can just stay healthy."

Russell Baxter, FanSided: 28th

"The selection of Bosa with the second overall pick marked the fourth time in five years that the franchise used a first-round pick on the defensive front. Of course, this is a team looking to improve a defense of unit that a year ago set dubious NFL records for fewest takeaways and fewest interceptions in a season fixit team not defensive unit. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh should make the most of not only the former Buckeye but newcomers such as pass rushing standout Dee Ford and linebackers Kwon Alexander and David Mayo. The 49ers are a combined 25-55 the last five seasons."

Baxter’s ranking sure seems awfully low, although pointing out some of the defensive deficiencies from last year is justified.

Overall, however, it sure seems as if the Niners are hovering towards the back end of the middle of the pack, which is fine. General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan do have a lot to prove in year three of their tenure at the helm. And with reports there’s friction between the two — Shanahan later discounted this entirely — it’s not hard to say there should be pressure on the tandem to deliver some desired results in 2019.

Adding Bosa should help a lot, and that’s something Baxter pointed out with other cast members of San Francisco’s defensive line, which could be one of the best units in the league if it stays healthy.

Despite some of the lowish NFL power rankings following the draft, it does appear as if analysts are giving the Niners a very real shot at being one of those risers, who’ll climb up the boards as the season moves along.

Simply put, the team looks in a lot better shape heading into 2019 than it did a year ago when there was a massive level of hype.