Golden Nuggets: Would you be upset if the 49ers went defensive back in the first round?

In today’s nuggets, you’ll see the 49ers taking a defensive back in a mock draft, another Pats writer talking about Jimmy G, potential backup QB options, whether Skule could start at left tackle, and which member of the secondary the team should prioritize.

NFL Wire mock draft sends versatile DB prospect to 49ers - Niners Wire

Doug Farrar expanded on Moehrig’s skill set in the TD Wire mock:

Moehrig spent equal time in the box, in the slot, and at free safety last season in TCU’s split-field coverage, and he was an eraser wherever he lined up. In three seasons with the Horned Frogs, Moehrig allowed 49 catches on 96 targets for 533 yards, 253 yards after the catch, five touchdowns, seven interceptions, and an opponent passer rating of 54.7.

While free safety doesn’t top the 49ers’ list of offseason needs, the Moehrig selection could be one that helps in multiple areas over the course of the next few years.

Jimmy Garoppolo Still To Be Available For Trade? - Pro Football Rumors

“Many around the league still expect Garoppolo to be available” in trade talks, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe writes. Garoppolo is one of only a handful of players around the league with a no-trade clause, so he’d have to give his approval for any potential destination. Lynch’s comments always rang a bit hollow considering the team reportedly inquired about Matthew Stafford before balking at the asking price.

SF 49ers: 2 options for team’s backup quarterback needs - Niners Noise

When the Niners had offers for Nick Mullens, they should have pounced immediately. Regardless of how lucrative the trade proposals were, for an undrafted free agent to get back actual capital despite being a backup, that’s a win for the SF 49ers. And the fact Mullens, at some point, was worth actual trade capital despite being a backup who clearly had a fairly low ceiling, speaks volumes as to how valuable the position can be.

For a team with an established starter, whether young or old, using the backup position at quarterback to work with players who have real potential to develop into something is the best way to extract surplus value from teams. The floor of their play may be much lower. But as we saw last year with Mullens and Beathard, that’s going to be a constant for most if not all backups.

Justin Skule Could be the 49ers Starter at Left Tackle in 2021 - SI

In fact, I’d say there is a high likelihood that he is as good as gone. That will leave the 49ers with yet another position of need. Worst part of all is that they will be desperate at left tackle for a second-consecutive offseason. The 49ers could always look to draft a player as Williams’ replacement, but there are other areas they might want to reserve their draft capital for.

That is why Justin Skule could be the 49ers starter at left tackle in 2021.

San Francisco has to address cornerback, edge rusher, interior offensive line, and possibly even add wide receiver depth. Having left tackle added upon that long list is overwhelming.

The 49ers won’t be able to use free agency as the avenue to replace Williams, especially since that is why they will be losing him in the first place. They just do not have the salary cap space. Plus, I expect the 49ers to use free agency to address the center position for someone like an Alex Mack.

Are the 49ers better off without Richard Sherman, Jason Verrett, and K’Waun Williams? - 49ers Gold Mine

Who should they prioritize?

I think the 49ers should prioritize Williams. He’s shown he’s capable of playing seasons healthy and at a high level for a few years now. He is very good at one of the tougher positions to find. Now the argument against this is that Jamar Taylor stepped in and played at a very high level when Williams went down. That is absolutely right, however, Taylor is coming off a torn ACL injury, so we can’t just say Taylor will replicate the level of play from 2020.

The reason they should choose Williams over Verrett is health. Verrett hasn’t been able to put together a string of seasons due to health, which is unfortunate because when he is healthy he is one of the better corners in the game. The 49ers can’t rely on players staying healthy when paying them. Haven’t we learned from the bad offseason signings Alexander, Richburg, and the trade for Ford? Verrett is going to be looking for a bit more money since it could possibly be his final contract he signs in the NFL.