How Jordan Love being available at No. 31 helps the 49ers

With two picks in the first-round in the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers are in prime position to make a deal to acquire some mid-round picks.

The Niners are scheduled to make selections at No. 13 and No. 31, but don’t have any more picks until the fifth-round.

Speculation is rampant about who the 49ers will take at No. 13, with receiver, offensive line, defensive line and cornerback being positions of need for San Francisco.

General manager John Lynch will have plenty of options at No. 31, but the most talked about outcome is trading the pick to get some mid-round picks.

NBC’s Matt Maiocco says one way interest around the league will drum up for the 31st pick is if Utah State quarterback Jordan Love is still on the board. With Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert expected to go in the top-10, Love is expected to be the next signal caller picked.

Here is what Maiocco has to say:

“Even though Love might not be a logical option for the 49ers at No. 31, that does not mean the 49ers can’t still benefit from his availability late in the first round. Quarterbacks are prime trade targets near the end of the first round because the cost is relatively inexpensive with tremendous possible rewards. With all first-round draft picks, the club owns the fifth-year option at a non-negotiable set salary to keep the players under contract for one season beyond the mandatory four-year rookie contract. The 49ers might desire to bail out of the No. 31 overall pick to accumulate more picks. But that is only possible if another team targets a player to go get. Love could be that player — if only he lasts that long.”

Looking at the current draft order there are five teams picking after No. 13 that I can see potentially picking a QB, assuming the board doesn’t change with draft-day trades:

Raiders at No. 19 - To find a replacement for Derek Carr.

Vikings at No. 22 and No. 25 - Kirk Cousins has three years left on his deal.

Titans at No. 29 - Ryan Tannehill and Logan Woodside are their QBs.

Packers at No. 30 - Aaron Rodgers will turn 37 this season.

Two teams that I am looking at potential trade partners are the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers. Both teams signed veteran QBs in the offseason and have second and fourth round picks in this year’s draft that could be enticing for the Niners.

With Teddy Bridgewater’s injury history, the Panthers may feel the need to have a long-term solution on the roster. Carolina has the No. 38 and No. 113 picks.

In my opinion, the 49ers should make the pick at No. 13 to get a high-end talent and trade back out of No. 31 to get the additional picks.

There will be lots of rumors over the next week, but which teams can you see trading up to try and get Love if he is available at No. 31?