Niner Nate-tion Podcast: Don’t be shocked if the 49ers trade for another first round pick

When you move up from pick 12 to pick three, you announce to the league that you think your team is in a Super Bowl window. If your team is in a Super Bowl window, do you really need all nine draft picks the 49ers currently hold? On today’s Niner Nate-tion Podcast, Leo Luna says he expects the 49ers to make another move in the first two rounds of the draft.

“They’re moving up for a playmaker. If they don’t move up from 43, they’re going to move up from 102. That is a long freakin’ wait [between picks 43 and 102]. You’re essentially waiting about two rounds. I don’t think they’re going to pick in both those spots...For a team that, if your rookie QB is starting, you need another playmaker. Surround your rookie with talent.”

As Leo mentioned later in the podcast, the 49ers could package pick 43 with whatever they get in a Jimmy Garoppolo deal to move back into the bottom of the first round (assuming, of course, that we’re all still breathing at that point).

So who are the options late in round one? One possibility Leo mentioned could be Alabama running back Najee Harris. Yes, Raheem Mostert will be back, but he’s never been able to make it through a full season, and no one else currently in the running back room stands out as the lead back that Harris could be.

Check out the full episode to hear all the options, and leave a comment below with who you’d like to see the Niners target if they traded back into round one.

Other thoughts in today’s episode

• Your NFL Draft mailbag questions from the Hot Take Hotline (415-409-8220)
• Reaction to the Kyle Shanahan/John Lynch press conference
• Final predictions for pick 3