49ers NFL Draft: 3 helpful trades John Lynch could make

No. 1: 49ers trade back into Round 1

There’s a lot to be argued in favor of San Francisco trading back into Round 1, not unlike what John Lynch did in 2017 when he already nabbed defensive end Solomon Thomas at No. 3 overall before moving up again to select linebacker Reuben Foster at No. 31 overall.

It’ll be much more difficult this time around, given the 49ers don’t hold an early pick in Round 2. But with a relatively thin NFL Draft class at positions like safety and tight end — both Niners needs — along with question marks surrounding which cornerbacks and/or wide receivers will or won’t slip to San Francisco’s current second-round pick, No. 43 overall, one could see why Lynch might be inclined to somehow get back into the first round despite already trading up with Miami.

A few players would certainly be worth this reach. The only question is whether or not another team would entertain a trade, then just how much it might cost the 49ers to give up in return.

How about with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

The Niners are already short a first- and a third-round pick in 2022, so it’s hard to fathom Lynch digging into next year’s stockpile. But the Bucs are in a position where they don’t necessarily need immediate-impact talent, thanks to retaining the bulk of a Super Bowl-winning roster, therefore they can afford to focus more on depth pieces.

The move, not unlike last year, would wipe out any additions by San Francisco on day two of the draft. But considering a pretty steep drop from top-end cornerbacks and pass-rushers from Round 1 and into Round 2, it might be a risk Lynch and the 49ers would be willing to take.

Especially if they also feel their roster is only a handful of players away from serious Super Bowl contention.

The 2021 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 29.