49ers out-of-the-box 7-round 2020 mock NFL Draft

The 49ers walking out of the first round without selecting a wide receiver would be truly unexpected, which is why it’s what I have happening here in this out-of-the-box mock draft.

Just as Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch recognize the value of having a strong offensive line, they recognize the value of having a strong defensive line as well. Especially after trading away DeForest Buckner.

So with the 31st overall pick, the 49ers reload in the trenches on the defensive side of the ball with defensive tackle Neville Gallimore from the University of Oklahoma.

Now, Gallimore is no Buckner. The Niners’ best chance of grabbing a true Buckner replacement is earlier in the first round, with Auburn’s Derrick Brown or South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw. But, in this mock, the Niners decided to stock up on the other side of the ball at No. 13, so now they grab a solid defensive tackle prospect at the end of the first.

The Niners may not need Buckner’s clone, however, as they already have a strong interior defensive line rotation, and Gallimore will immediately be able to contribute as a rotation player, with the potential to grow into a star.

Gallimore, like Mekhi Becton, is not the most polished prospect at his position but has loads of potential. He has all the athletic talents one could want at the position, but his technique needs improvement.

Luckily, even without Buckner, the 49ers defensive line is strong enough they can afford to take the time to develop a prospect like Gallimore. Additionally, he has the kind of tough mentality and work ethic that has become a defining point of the 49ers under Shanahan and Lynch.

He will fit right in with the 49ers locker room and should have every opportunity to develop into a star.