2024 mock draft roundup: Who are 49ers taking ahead of NFL Combine?

The 2024 NFL Combine starts this week, and Niner Noise browses around to see which prospects are being mocked to the 49ers in this year's draft.

It's officially NFL Draft season (it's always draft season), and the San Francisco 49ers are in unison with 31 other teams realizing that the 2024 draft is a mere two months away.

The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, though, kicks off this week.

The combine can make or break prospects despite very little from the workouts at Lucas Oil Stadium translates over to the gridiron. Ask any Niners fan the difference between the speedy wide receiver John Ross and the not-at-all-speedy wideout named Jauan Jennings while acknowledging who is having the better career, and you'll get the point.

Mock drafts also rarely translate over into reality in any shape or form, too, but they're fun. And addicting.

And we're always addicted to checking out which prospects are being mocked to San Francisco in Round 1 of this year's draft.

So, who will be the 49ers' top pick, according to the latest group of pre-NFL Combine mocks out there?

Let's take a peek.

49ers 2024 mock NFL Draft roundup, pre-NFL Combine edition

There's a noticeable trend among experts and draft analysts for the Niners here at No. 31 overall, and it's not hard to understand why.

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: OL Graham Barton, Duke

"A left tackle at Duke, Barton would slide inside to guard and has the athleticism to do all that is required in Kyle Shanahan’s scheme."

Kyle Stackpole, CBS Sports: OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma

"They need right tackle help in a big way, and Tyler Guyton has the most upside out of any of the remaining tackles. This is an easy pick."

Charles McDonald and Nate Tice, Yahoo! Sports: OT Kingsley Suamataia, BYU

"Did you watch the Super Bowl? The 49ers saw it, too. They get the fairly raw but traits-laden Suamataia as their starting right tackle and potential blindside protector whenever they have to navigate a post-Trent Williams world. Suamataia will sometimes get too far over his skis in the run game and his hand placing is inconsistent overall, but his size and talent are obvious. He has the potential to be a plus player in the run and pass games."

Brentley Weissman, The Draft Network: WR Troy Franklin, Oregon

"There's a good chance the 49ers lose Brandon Aiyuk this offseason, which would make receiver a huge need for this offense. Quite honestly, even if they keep Aiyuk, I still think a field-stretching third receiver would be a wise add. Troy Franklin is a down-the-field threat who would complement Deebo Samuel and Aiyuk very nicely."

Luke Easterling, Sports Illustrated: OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA Today Sports: DE Chop Robinson, Penn State

"Offensive line could be a consideration here, but even in a deep class, the value doesn't measure up after an earlier run on blockers. If San Francisco doesn't hold onto Chase Young, Robinson offers them a high-upside alternative who might flourish under renowned defensive line coach Kris Kocurek."

As one can see, going with offensive line help seems to be the popular choice for San Francisco, particularly after most of the line, sans All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, struggled over much of 2024. Tack on the fact the 49ers are pressed up against the salary cap this offseason, general manager John Lynch won't have the luxury of adding top-billing players in free agency.

However, as Middlehurst-Schwartz pointed out, this year's O-line class is exceptionally talented and deep, meaning Lynch and Co. might find starting-caliber talent beyond Round 1, saving that selection for another position of need, such as the defensive line.

Reaching is certainly the last thing the Niners will want to do here, although they may have to if a targeted player winds up excelling beyond expectations at the NFL Combine over the next week.

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