5 predictions for John Lynch, 49ers in 2020 NFL Draft

No. 1: 49ers will draft a DeForest Buckner replacement… sort of

There’s no doubt losing DeForest Buckner will have an impact on the 49ers defense. Likewise, there’s no doubt the 49ers will need guys to step up and make up for that loss.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean the 49ers will need to replace Buckner with the pick they got in exchange for trading him to the Indianapolis Colts, as some have suggested regarding South Carolina defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw.

San Francisco 49ers

It could be that the 49ers use that No. 13 overall pick to replace Buckner, but given the rotational nature of the team’s defensive line, I’m not sure that player would stand to impact the team as much as a potential game-changing receiver.

Although to be fair, the bust potential is there for a top pick, no matter his position.

That being said, it is still pretty likely the 49ers look to bolster their defensive line by adding someone who can come in a play the same position as Buckner, even if the new rookie isn’t anywhere as impactful as the former Niner was during his tenure in San Francisco.

Instead, look for the Niners to grab at least one interior defensive lineman in the vein of Buckner, on top of adding depth to their edge-rushing group that already includes Nick Bosa, Dee Ford and Ronald Blair.

Prospects like Nebraska’s Khalil Davis, Georgia’s Tyler Clark or Baylor’s James Lynch could be interesting names to keep in mind later in the draft, especially if the 49ers stockpile a few more mid-round selections.

So while the 49ers will definitely miss having Buckner as part of their 2020 defensive line, it seems likely they’ll look to continue to bolster one of the league’s best units, even if it isn’t with a first-round draft pick.