49ers post-free agency 7-round 2020 mock NFL Draft

The 49ers have an immediate plan to help alleviate the loss of DeForest Buckner, which will center around a rotation and likely give their former first-round NFL Draft choice, defensive end Solomon Thomas, one last chance to prove he’s worth of sticking around.

That said, there’s likely going to be a long-term need to find an adequate replacement. With San Francisco using earlier picks to address more pressing needs, grabbing a hidden gem on day three of the draft becomes a necessity.

Especially if finding an interior defensive lineman is the next big priority.

One player with a lot of upside is Ohio State defensive tackle Davon Hamilton, who played a number of 1-technique and 3-technique roles the last four years. In 2019, the 6-foot-4 Hamilton burst onto the scene with six sacks after netting just two half sacks over his previous three years. This could boost his stock, but the lack of prior production could keep him relegated to Rounds 4 or 5.

Athletically, Hamilton is solid and looks to be a good rotational player early. His development would be key, though, and he’ll need help being productive if he is to assume a prominent role.