4 players 49ers must put on trade block during 2023 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
The 49ers have 11 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft but not that many roster holes to fill, meaning some in-draft trades should be a priority for John Lynch and Co.
Yes, the San Francisco 49ers can put together a home-run class in the 2023 NFL Draft despite not having selections in Rounds 1 and 2.
A reason behind not having a first-round pick, quarterback Trey Lance could feasibly be a player general manager John Lynch looks to move during the upcoming draft itself, especially given the sheer number of quarterback-needy teams and the fact the Niners appear to have more invested in fellow signal-callers like Brock Purdy and recently acquired Sam Darnold.
Unless Lynch receives a hefty haul in return, though, it’ll be hard selling the fanbase on Darnold until Purdy returns. Lance still looks like the best option to be QB1 until Purdy returns from his elbow injury and subsequent surgery.
However, Lynch could still put plenty of other players on the trade block when the 2023 NFL Draft kicks off on April 27.
Including these four.
No. 4: 49ers cornerback Ambry Thomas
Late in 2021, it appeared as if then-rookie cornerback Ambry Thomas had finally overcome some first-year woes and was capable of being a quality starter in a full-time role.
However, Thomas struggled mightily in training camp the following year and was relegated to special teams duties his sophomore season, all to the tune of a mere 41 defensive snaps throughout 2022.
Even after San Francisco lost now-Detroit Lions corner Emmanuel Moseley to a season-ending ACL tear in Week 5, it was fellow 2021 rookie Deommodore Lenoir who stepped into the void.
Not Thomas.
Turning 24 years old this season, Thomas still has the “potential” moniker on his side and flashed enough promise two years ago to make him a modest asset to move.
The 49ers won’t get back anything close to the third-round pick they used on him in 2021, but it’d be better than going after another body and subsequently waiving Thomas before he entered the third season of his pro career.