The San Francisco 49ers have made a habit of drafting players out of the University of Oregon over the years. DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead, and Deommodore Lenoir stand out as three former Ducks who have gone on to have good careers with the Niners.
As things work out in this NFL Draft, it would actually make some amount of sense for all six of San Francisco’s draft picks to be spent on players coming out of Oregon. That almost certainly will not happen, but it’s a fun thought exercise nonetheless.
Let’s take a look at what San Francisco’s draft could look like if the only picked Oregon players.
Round 1, Pick 27: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
While a number of draft analysts believe tight end Kenyon Sadiq will be taken in the middle of the first round, there is a chance he could fall to the end of Round 1.
Sadiq had an impressive combine showing and put up a 40-yard dash time not seen since Vernon Davis. It may be time for the Niners to think about a successor for a George Kittle while also adding a potent offensive weapon in the present.
Round 2, Pick 58: G Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
The Niners could use some help at left guard, so Emmanuel Pregnon would make a lot of sense. He’s projected to go early in the second round, but if he slides, maybe the Niners could get him.
Right now, it looks like a competition between several players at left guard, but Pregnon should be able to beat them out.
Round 4, Pick 127: WR Malik Benson
The Niners may not go after a wide receiver early after adding Mike Evans and Christian Kirk in free agency. But they could still take a chance on a young prospect, and Malik Benson makes a ton of sense.
He had 719 receiving yards and six touchdowns last season for the Ducks. He’s known as a deep threat, and the 49ers could certainly use that explosive element in their offense.
Round 4, Pick 133: OT Isaiah World, Oregon
While the 49ers should be able to resolve the Trent Williams contract situation soon, they still need to start thinking about the future at left tackle. Maybe Isaiah World can be the long-term replacement for Williams. He did have a ton of experience as a four-year starter at Oregon.
Round 4, Pick 138: LB Bryce Boettcher, Oregon
It may seem like the Niners are good at linebacker after bringing back Dre Greenlaw. That may be true, but they need to think about the future.
Bryce Boettcher could be an interesting guy to take a chance on as he had 136 tackles last season along with an interception and two forced fumbles.
Round 4, Pick 139: CB Jadon Cannady
It never a hurts to bring a cornerback into the mix especially when the Niners have a weak link in Renardo Green. Jadon Canady has two picks and six pass deflections last season so he could make sense to take a flyer on.
The only thing missing from this draft would be a defensive lineman, but other than that, it is pretty perfect. The Niners obviously won’t draft only Oregon players, but the Ducks have a lot of good prospects, so it would not be a shock if the Niners ended up getting at least one of them in the draft.