49ers stay predictable in Mel Kiper's latest 2-round mock NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
ESPN's Mel Kiper just dropped his latest mock NFL Draft, a two-rounder, and the 49ers make some very understandable decisions with their first two picks.
The general consensus for the San Francisco 49ers early in the 2024 NFL Draft is that they'll take an offensive linemen.
It's not a bad route to take at No. 31 overall. The O-line is a top need, and this year's draft boasts an array of top-quality prospects who could be day-one starters. Even in the middle rounds, there are plenty of likable options for any team in need of help along its O-line.
The Niners could use an upgrade at center, right guard and at right tackle, so looking at a lineman early in the draft is pretty sensible.
Renowned NFL Draft analyst, Mel Kiper of ESPN, just dropped his latest two-round mock draft.
Not surprisingly, Kiper hands San Francisco an offensive linemen in Round 1 before addressing another key 49ers need in Round 2.
Mel Kiper mock: 49ers draft Washington OT Roger Rosengarten in Round 1
Washington offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten isn't a commonly mocked name to the Niners in many a mock draft, but that's the prospect whom Kiper pegs to San Francisco at No. 31.
Kiper's rationale is as follows:
"Rosengarten could challenge Colton McKivitz for snaps at right tackle. Rosengarten didn't allow any sacks in his 1,158 pass-blocking snaps for the Huskies. He also has some familiarity with one of San Francisco's stars, as Christian McCaffrey's dad, Ed, was his high school coach for two seasons at Valor Christian in Colorado."
While Rosengarten hasn't been a popular name within 49ers mocks, which have frequently named players like Arizona's Jordan Morgan and others, Kiper's pick does illustrate the point that getting stronger up front should be a main priority for head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co.
If that's one way to address a key Niners need, Kiper's selection for San Francisco in Round 2 addresses another.
Mel Kiper mock: 49ers draft Kentucky CB Andru Phillips in Round 2
The 49ers could stand for a cornerback or two in this year's draft, too, especially with Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir pegged for free agency in 2025.
Starting that pipeline now to replace both is also a key Niners need, and that's the route Kiper takes with San Francisco's second overall pick, No. 63 overall, which is used on Kentucky cornerback Andru Phillips.
Here's what Kiper had to say about that pick:
"Phillips could add immediate depth to a secondary that needs a talent infusion. He allowed just a single touchdown catch as the nearest defender in coverage over the past two seasons. He has intriguing physical traits, but he's a little raw as a cover corner."
Read more: 5 players 49ers should put on trade block entering NFL Draft
Phillips broke up 10 passes over the last two years with the Wildcats, and his presence would help solidify a defense that could see a lot of transition over the next couple of years.
The actual 2024 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 25.
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