49ers biggest winners, losers from 2020 NFL Draft

Winner: Offensive Tackle Trent Williams

One of the biggest winners from the 2020 NFL Draft wasn’t a prospect, rather a seven-time Pro Bowler, veteran offensive tackle Trent Williams.

Even after the 49ers were aware Joe Staley was retiring, the team passed on top draft prospects like Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs and Louisville’s Mekhi Becton at the position, instead gambling on the idea it could lure Williams away from his old team, the Washington Redskins, via a draft-day trade.

Well, the Niners did just that, sending their fifth-round pick and a 2021 third rounder in exchange for Williams, who sat out last season in search of a new contract.

Williams made his intentions known about wanting out from Washington a while ago. And while it might have come a bit late, he gets his wish.

And he gets to go to a Super Bowl contender right away.

Now Williams is only signed through this year. He’ll either command what could be a hefty new deal in San Francisco or cash in on a big deal in free agency in 2021. Either constitutes a win for Williams.

It’s also a win for the 49ers, who alleviate Staley’s loss with a top-tier veteran right away and, at worst, could net a Round 3 compensatory pick should Williams depart in a year.