4 players 49ers could use as trade chips in 2021 NFL Draft

No. 2: 49ers Linebacker Dre Greenlaw

San Francisco would probably be fine trading away Tarvarius Moore or Marcell Harris, but it might take a little more convincing to move third-year linebacker Dre Greenlaw.

Greenlaw having two more years on his fifth-round rookie contract does make him a likable trade asset, as does the fact he’s only 23 years old. And it’s likely the 49ers could sell high on Greenlaw’s notable upside from his rookie 2019 season.

So, why would the Niners entertain trading Greenlaw, though?

Well, for starters, San Francisco already has All-Pro caliber play from fellow linebacker Fred Warner, yet the maturation of another linebacker, Azeez Al-Shaair, helps the argument Greenlaw could be a bit expendable.

And there’s an argument Greenlaw regressed in 2020, too. At least according to Pro Football Focus, which assigned him 59.8 overall grade last year in contrast to his solid 64.0 mark from 2019.

Granted, the only way such a move would make sense is if the 49ers would get something of note in return, likely nothing less than a day-two pick in return.

But the Niners landing a quality draft pick while banking on Al-Shaair assuming a key No. 2 linebacking role behind Warner wouldn’t be the worst approach the team could make, particularly if whatever mid-round pick received in return helps land yet another key impact player.