49ers 2020 mock NFL Draft roundup: Experts’ picks for Round 1

Niner Noise scours the web to see which prospects the San Francisco 49ers will grab in the 2020 NFL, according to the wide array of experts around the league.

It’s turning into crunch time for the San Francisco 49ers and all the other 31 teams as they all prepare for the 2020 NFL Draft later this month.

For general manager John Lynch, he’ll be armed with two first-round selections, Nos. 13 and 31, with the first selection coming by the way of the blockbuster trade with the Indianapolis Colts for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner last March.

While the trade hurt, it did give Lynch and the Niners some much-needed draft capital and the chance to land one of the premier players in a very unique class, particularly at wide receiver.

In fact, wide receiver seems to be a popular selection for San Francisco, especially with the 13th overall pick.

But Niner Noise wanted to know more and decided to look around to league to see which prospects the experts mock to the 49ers in Round 1.

Chad Reuter, NFL.com: WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama (No. 13); CB A.J. Terrell, Clemson (No. 31)

"The 49ers’ Super Bowl showing made it very clear that they need to upgrade their receiving corps. Jeudy becomes what Emmanuel Sanders was for the team before moving on to the Saints this offseason.Forget about Terrell and Clemson’s night against LSU in the title game — I’m sure he already has. The 49ers looked at the rest of his tape, as well as his combine workout, and saw a future starter."

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama (No. 13); CB Noah Igbinoghene, Auburn (No. 31)

"Adding Jeudy, who caught 77 passes for 1,163 yards and 10 TDs last season, to a group with Deebo Samuel and Kendrick Bourne makes this a really exciting (and young) trio of wideouts for Jimmy Garoppolo.Richard Sherman, who turns 32 later this month, is only signed through 2020, and the Niners don’t have a set No. 2 corner. Igbinoghene, a track athlete who is still raw, is my third-ranked corner, and he could also help as a return man."

Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma (No. 13); CB Jeff Gladney, TCU (No. 31)

"[With] Manny Sanders now in New Orleans, there’s a need for wideouts too. CeeDee Lamb would flourish in Kyle Shanahan’s system.Gladney had a standout season for the Horned Frogs, and he might be one of the best cover corners in this draft class. He measured just 5-foot-10 but he’s incredibly physical and will have little trouble matching up with NFL receivers."

Nate Davis, USA Today Sports: WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma (No. 13); Trade with Jets (No. 31)

"Lamb would be a far more dynamic option than departed WR Emmanuel Sanders and, alongside super soph Deebo Samuel, would provide coach Kyle Shanahan a young and formidable 1-2 punch for years.The Niners, who have no picks in Rounds 2, 3 or 4, could use extra selections and might be willing to part with this one for the Jets’ second-rounder (48th overall) and one of their choices in the third."

Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama (No. 13); OL Cesar Ruiz, Michigan (No. 31)

"The smile on Kyle Shanahan’s face may never leave if general manager John Lynch lands Jerry Jeudy at No. 13 overall.It’s long been thought that Odell Beckham Jr. is the perfect fit for Shanahan’s offense, so why not land his clone in Jeudy? After trading defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to land this pick, the 49ers will do exactly that and get the draft’s best receiver as a steal.With the injury to Weston Richburg potentially costing him the 2020 season and center so vital in Shanahan’s offense, Cesar Ruiz becomes a need and a value. He’s a mean but agile centerpiece in the middle of the offensive line, and he has the moves to get upfield and lock out in the zone-blocking scheme."

Patrick Schmidt, FanSided: CB C.J. Henderson, Florida (No. 13); S Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota (No. 31)

It’s not surprising to see wide receiver as the heavy favorite for San Francisco at No. 13, and the general idea is the 49ers’ second pick in Round 1 will be used on a cornerback to eventually replace Sherman.

But Schmidt’s mock is pretty provocative, likely influenced by the idea the Niners will dip into what’s a very deep class at wide receiver, or at least hope other options behind Samuel wind up contributing nicely, instead choosing to wholly upgrade and reinforce the secondary with two known playmaking defensive backs.

Still, it seems much more likely at least one of the 49ers’ top two draft picks will be used on an offensive player, although one could feasibly be an offensive lineman.

San Francisco has some long-term needs there, too. And that particular need has gone largely unnoticed by many a draft analyst and expert.

The 2020 NFL Draft officially starts on Thursday, April 23.