Deebo Samuel rumors: What 49ers can do with No. 10 overall draft pick?

Options for 49ers: Look elsewhere other than receiver

No. 10 is an interesting pick because we always see sliders early on in the draft, and the 49ers could be in the perfect place to strike.

But who could they consider here?

One obvious pick would be Kyle Hamilton, the safety from Notre Dame. Hamilton could end up sliding in the draft due to concerns over his speed and whether or not he’s better at safety or linebacker. The Niners, however, primarily rush just the defensive linemen and use seven defenders in coverage, meaning Hamilton can rely on his amazing instincts and less on speed to make plays.

If Hamilton’s speed wasn’t poor in the NFL Combine, he would be a top-five prospect, and San Francisco’s scheme allows speed to not be a factor as much as in other schemes in the NFL. He makes a lot of sense here.

An EDGE to pair with Nick Bosa makes sense, too, although there are salary cap considerations if the pick pans out and the team has to pay big on two pass-rushers. But Florida State’s Jermaine Johnson or Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux could both slide due to off-the-field issues. Johnson would be available and a good get, but could Thibodeaux slide down this far? It’s unlikely but not impossible.

Lastly, there’s cornerback Derek Stingley and where the LSU product will go. Fellow corner Ahmad Gardner will certainly be gone early, and Stingley has been a popular mock to either the New York Jets or the New York Giants somewhere in the top 10, but both have other considerations as well and he could slip through. The 49ers haven’t had the need for the position they’ve had in the past, but the value may be too good to pass up.