49ers 2023 NFL Draft class: Best, worst and most intriguing picks

The 49ers added nine prospects via the 2023 NFL Draft, albeit none in Rounds 1 and 2. Niner Noise looks at the best, worst and most interesting ones of the bunch.

Yes, it felt like forever waiting for the San Francisco 49ers to finally put in a pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

After sitting idly the first two rounds, the Niners traded up in Round 3 and grabbed former Penn State safety Ji’Ayir Brown at No. 87 overall.

Brown, who could have been a second-round talent, is someone who could potentially fit in as a long-term replacement for former San Francisco defensive back Jimmie Ward, who is now off to the Houston Texans.

That’s the projection, though. Brown will have to prove that he was worth the 49ers’ investment.

Speaking of investments, the Niners made some questionable ones not long after taking Brown. In fact, the rest of Round 3 might be considering, well… interesting. At least in terms of what players San Francisco targeted and selected.

But, hey. Kickers are people, too.

We’re talking about former Michigan kicker Jake Moody, of course, who was one of the nine NFL Draft prospects selected by the 49ers over the three-day period. He’s now joining the red and gold after being selected at No. 99 overall.

That’s certainly provocative.

While the picks themselves will be debated and argued about for months, let’s break down our thoughts on which Niners selection was the best, which one was the worst and which one should raise some eyebrows heading into offseason programs.