FanPost

Totally unlikely and entirely reasonable draft dream!

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

So I posted some of this in a comment a few days ago, but in this version, I'll put some players with the picks and tweak it some more. Unfrozen Caveman tells me I should be getting more back in these trades and I wouldn't argue, but I think the trade market is going to be a little soft this year where we're looking to move down. My opinion is that the strength of this draft is top half of the 1st and then late Round 2 and Round 3. Many teams are going to be very happy to let their Day 2 targets fall to them. I'm less worried about maximizing value and focused on getting the players I'm targeting.

So here's the "realistic" dream...

Jeudy and Lamb are gone at #13. Denver desperately tries to move up, but we stand pat and take our guy. Ruggs becomes a 49er. Denver is unhappy, but they recognize they're still in the elite tier and get Kinlaw or Henderson instead of trading back into the morass of 2nd tier players going in the 2nd half of Round 1. Their 2nd choice WR will be available later.

Niners are on the clock at #31, and Indy comes calling. They want to move up for Jordan Love. 1.31 gets moved for 2.34 and 4.122. It seems completely reasonable.

-Niners on the clock at 2.34 and Denver still desperately wanting a WR and not wanting to risk waiting to see who falls. They want speed on the outside, and Reagor has been their 2nd choice since they missed on Ruggs. 2.34 gets moved for 2.46 and 3.95. Of course, pundits comment on the irony that Niners grabbing Ruggs set the stage for the later pick swap. Seems completely reasonable.

49ers end up with Ruggs + 2.46 + 3.95 + 4.122, and they have the five late Day 3 picks that they started with to maybe work to maneuver more trying to make sure they get the guys they want. That's some draft capital to go shopping with! Let's use the Draft Network's Big Board (TDNBB) to see how to spend those picks in a scenario that doesn't suggest guys falling way past their rank.

2.46 Trevon Diggs CB. Ok, this is the only reach I'm going to propose. He's #45 on the TDNBB and probably goes earlier than that, but that's not exactly a huge stretch. A single spot!! If he's not there then A.J. Terrell is #52 and completely reasonable. He could be gone too, but the big board says he's there.

3.95 Matthew Peart OT (TDNBB #99) Ideal NFL traits like this aren't often found in the late 3rd Round (3rd longest arms in combine history). Needs to work on technique but has some time to groom behind Staley to be the future LT. I also like Nick Harris here if the FO wants to go IOL instead of outside. He'd be a future replacement for Weston Richburg at significant cap savings.

Pick 4.122 comes up, and because it's my dream and without any reason to support it other than the trade value chart, we combine that pick and a 7th round pick to move back and get picks 4.137 and 4.140 from Jacksonville.

4.137 Jason Strowbridge IDL (TDNBB #147) 3 years of really solid run defense grades from PFF but he gets knocked for lack of production in terms of pressure. Then he goes to the Senior Bowl and really flashes. This from Dane Brugler of The Athletic "he's been consistently pushing the pocket and destroying opponents during one-on-ones. He uses his powerful bear claws and 33-inch arms to extend into blocks, creating immediate knock-back and a path to the pocket," adding that he "also shows the agile feet to quickly get around roadblocks and finish." So he's an established productive run defender with some pass-rushing potential? Buying on the bargain rack but sounds like a guy that might just fill a void on the D line.

4.140 Tanner Muse S (TDNBB #199). This seems like a reach taking him 50 spots ahead of his ranking. Let me convince you he's not getting out of Round 4. He's a 3-year starter out of Clemson who ran a 4.41 40 at 6'2" and 227 lbs. That's a 94th percentile Sparq score. Outstanding college player! PFF loved him ranking as the only ACC defender with grades of 77.2 or higher in run-defense, tackling, coverage, and pass-rushing. He secured 48 tackles with just two missed attempts, made seven total plays on the ball (4 INT, 3 PBU) while allowing just seven receptions and recorded 15 stops in run defense. Super-versatile player lining up as a box safety, deep safety, in the slot, and spot duty rushing off the edge. I think I heard something about the 49ers liking versatile players. Can you say Draft crush?

We still have two 5ths and picks in the 6th and 7th, but this is my dream, and this is where I wake up. Wow! Wish it could happen.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.