“We have 11 draft choices, and we have to make them count.” 49ers GM John Lynch has made one thing clear: their hopes of returning to the top after a dreadful season reside on their draft day performance. 11 picks, including 8 in the top 160 selections. The 49ers have a massive opportunity in their hand to successfully complete their roster makeover. Having moved on from starters like Deebo Samuel, Aaron Banks, Dre Greenlaw, Charvarius Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Leonard Floyd, the 49ers have a lot of holes to fill. But they would also be wary of the possible flops, considering their notorious history with some of them.
The 49ers may have golden luck when it comes to finding late-round gems. Whether it’s George Kittle (5th-round), Fred Warner (3rd-round), Dre Greenlaw (5th-round), Deommodore Lenoir (5th-round) and Brock Purdy (final pick in 2022 draft), the 49ers have been pretty fortunate. However, when it comes to picking at the top, where the chances of getting a proven talent are higher, the 49ers have been surprisingly unlucky.
First-round flops like Solomon Thomas (3rd overall), Reuben Foster (31st overall), Javon Kinlaw (14th overall), and, most devastating out of them all, Trey Lance (3rd overall). For Lance, the 49ers traded their first-round picks in 2021, 2022, and 2023, as well as their third-round pick in 2022, to the Dolphins. And what did they get in return? 2 seasons and 4 starts. Who leapt over him? Former Mr. Irrelevant, Brock Purdy, who led the 49ers to the Super Bowl in his sophomore year.
So, given their history and track record of finding better players late in the draft. NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes the 49ers could trade their first-round pick if an enticing offer comes their way. “I would not be surprised at all where they’re picking. They’re sitting there picking at No.11. If anybody wants to call and come up. I’d think they would be more than willing to slide back and get more picks and take more shots at it,” Jeremiah claimed.
Considering the 49ers have shipped off a lot of their starters in anticipation of giving Brock Purdy a lucrative extension. They wouldn’t want to miss out on any of the 11 picks they have. Obviously, the chances of all 11 succeeding remain impossible. But somehow, if the 49ers get more picks through a trade down. The chances of them filling the gaps will shoot up. Meanwhile, Robert Saleh’s return to the Bay Area gives the 49ers defense a massive boost ahead of a critical campaign.
Robert Saleh’s homecoming set to play a major factor in the 49ers’ season
The 49ers’ defense went through hell last year. Under Nick Sorensen, they ranked 8th in opponent yards per game (317.4), which sounds nice. But if you look elsewhere. They were 29th in opponent points per game. So, basically dead last when it came to moving the scoreboard against their corner. That’s why the 49ers decided to sack Sorensen and brought back a familiar face in Saleh. Robert is coming off a miserable head coaching stint with the Jets. His 4 seasons with the Jets saw him finish with a record of 20-36. Not much positive to take from Saleh’s tenure in New York.
Sep 19, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh throws a challenge flag during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
But his defense was consistently punching above its weight. Gang Green under Saleh’s 2022 and 2023 seasons ranked first in passing yards allowed per game (178.9). This means their overall record may have been abysmal. However, Saleh did impress with his defensive mastermind. And another thing that made him stand out in New York was his ability to develop first-year players. Under his tutelage, Jets’ 4th overall pick Sauce Gardner won the Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Made two consecutive Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro trips. But after Saleh’s dismissal mid-season, Gardner’s numbers also dropped. Last season, he couldn’t repeat another Pro Bowl or All-Pro season. So, with Saleh’s homecoming in the Bay Area. He is not just expected to improve their defense. The 49ers believe Saleh will play a key role in the first-year players they are going to draft this year. Only time will tell if Saleh’s second stint in San Francisco pays off. Either it will be a repeat of his first stint or a continuation of the Jets’ debacle.
The post NFL Rumors: Kyle Shanahan Forced to Abandon Draft Plans For Brock Purdy as Robert Saleh’s 49ers Return Plays Key Role appeared first on EssentiallySports.
