3 reasons why DeForest Buckner trade benefits 49ers

No. 1: A Slew of New NFL Draft Possibilities and Targets

The 49ers still don’t have any draft picks in Rounds 2 through 4. Previously, all they had was the No. 31 overall pick before two more selections in Round 5.

Now, the Niners own the Colts’ first-round pick.

San Francisco 49ers

Remember all those top-name prospects who were going to be selected long before San Francisco’s number was called in Round 1? Guys like Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III, Oklahoma wide receiver CeeDee Lamb or Alabama safety Xavier McKinney?

Well, they’re all in play now. And there will still be a good crop of first-round talent available to the 49ers late in the round, too.

So if you were worried about the Niners having to decide between a wide receiver, a cornerback or a safety, worry less. John Lynch can at least track down two of those positions on day one of the draft.

If he doesn’t trade down, of course.

Trading down opens up so many more possibilities in the draft as well, while still likely keeping the Niners’ now-owned No. 13 overall pick in place.

Yes, San Francisco’s prospects and pending actions for the 2020 NFL Draft just got a lot more provocative, and those moves will be needed if the team wants another run at the Super Bowl this season.

Still, we’re going to miss you, DeFo.