5 draft prospects 49ers trade back into Round 1 for

49ers Trade-Up Target No. 3: EDGE Kwity Paye, Michigan

San Francisco is hoping to have a full crop of outside pass-rushers this season, namely with EDGE Nick Bosa returning from an ACL tear and hopefully getting fellow EDGE Dee Ford back for at least some portion of the season after missing all but one game last year with a back injury.

The free-agent onboarding of EDGE Samson Ebukam helps, too, but there’s still a need for some more pass-rushing help, and getting a quality pass-rusher on a cheaper rookie contract always helps.

There are plenty of edge rushers in this year’s class, yet none are clear-cut can’t-miss prospects.

Such is the case with Michigan’s Kwity Paye, who only managed only 11.5 sacks over four seasons with the Wolverines. While the statistical production isn’t there, all the intangibles certainly are.

The 6-foot-4, 272-pound defensive lineman moved all around the formation for Michigan, adding to his versatility. He’s explosive out of his stance, has both speed and agility, good hand movement and is notably strong. There are only some technique issues that need some refinement, but one figures a defensive line coach like Kris Kocurek could get the best out of a player like Paye.

It’s hard to gauge where Paye goes, though. Some big boards and mocks have him being drafted in the teens, while others peg him as an early Round 2 selection.

If the 49ers feel like Paye won’t slip far at all and mandates a first-round selection, he might be worth trading up for.

If for no other reason than to land that fifth-year option, which can be important.