A look at 49ers’ potential Day 2 picks in NFL Draft
SANTA CLARA — Cross off edge rusher.
Not for the rest of the draft necessarily, but the selection of defensive end Mykel Williams of Georgia Thursday night at No. 11 overall checks an important box and enables the 49ers to look for more potential starters on Day 2.
Barring trades, the 49ers are scheduled to select Saturday in the second round at No. 43 overall, and have two picks in the third round (Nos. 75 and 100).
There were 10 defensive linemen selected in the first round including Williams — five on the edge and five interior. It’s supposed to be a deep draft at those positions so the 49ers could continue adding to the defensive front.
Of course, there’s also a need on the offense line, at linebacker, a third corner, a third safety and perhaps a wide receiver with Brandon Aiyuk recovering from a serious knee injury.)
Here’s a shopping list to keep in mind for the 49ers when the draft resumes at 4 p.m.:
Defensive tackles
T.J. Sanders, South Carolina: A natural three-technique, has a quick burst to the backfield and is adept at blowing up running schemes although not as much when he’s being blocked head-on.
Alfred Collins, Texas: A true nose tackle at 6-foot-6 and 332 pounds, but not a a particularly good pass rusher. With Bosa and Williams on the outside, an immediate contributor on inside runs even for a two-down defender is a good thing.
Darius Alexander, Toledo: Position flexibility isn’t a factor here. Alexander is viewed as an inside player at an area the 49ers desperately need considering all they’ve got is Jordan Elliott, Evan Anderson, Kalia Davis and Kevin Givens.
J.J. Pegues, Mississippi: Intriguing in that he was used by coach Lane Kiffin as a fullback and short-yardage runner, but also a well-regarded run defender. May be more of a developmental Day 3 pick
Defensive ends
Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College: Also seen as an outside linebacker, Ezeirauaku has potential with his length and burst. A minor surprise he’s still on the board, which means it might mean a trade up to get him.
Mike Green, Marshall: Williams fills a need as an edge rusher who the 49ers believe can move inside in sub packages. Green has character concerns that caused him to fall, but the talent to be more of a pure pass rusher.
Offensive linemen
Jonah Savaiiinaea, Arizona: Played some right tackle, but would likely be a guard with the 49ers provided they believe he can move well enough in the zone blocking scheme.
Aireontae Esery, Minnesota: The 49ers love experience, and Esery was a maistay for five years including his final two years at left tackle.
Marcus Mbow, Purdue: Having played basketball in high school before committing to football, Mbow has the sort of athleticism the 49ers need from a lineman. Made a smooth transition from guard to tackle and the 49ers value those who can do both.
Linebackers
Carson Schwesinger, UCLA: Seems to have a knack for knowing where the play is going, and he’s got range and the ability to cover backs and tight ends when called upon.
Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma: Has size and good movement to go with 4.62 speed in the 40-yard dash that suggests he can hold up in coverage. As ascended from a three-star recruit to a Day 2 draft pick.
Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon: The 49ers love Oregon players — general manager John Lynch considers Ducks coach Dan Lanning “an ally.: And Bassa has the ability to range sideline to sideline, has coverage instincts and is a potential modern NFL linebacker.
Defensive backs
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan: Played outside and in the slot at Michigan but injuries derailed his final season. Was mocked to the 49ers more than once as a first-round pick at No 11.
Nick Emmananwori, S, South Carolina: Considered a safety prospect, but don’t rule out the 49ers thinking he could be a linebacker in the Dre Greenlaw mold.
Trey Amos, CB, Mississippi: Solid athletically and the kind of long (6-foot-3, 195 pounds) that the 49ers love in an outside corner to battle jump-and-catch receivers. Could find a role when Deommodore Lenoir moves into the slot.
Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina: A torn ACL in September is a red flag, but Revel at 6-2, 194 was considered an upper first-round possibility before the injury.
Acareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State: Another rangy outside corner at 6-2 who didn’t have a great season but opened some eyes at the Senior Bowl. Has press coverage ability, although hasn’t made a lot of plays on the ball.
Offensive skill position
Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa: Averaged 6.4 yards per carry in a dated Iowa offense and is considered to be a patient runner with the ability to make a one-cut in the zone scheme that the 49ers desire. A lot to work on in the passing game, both blocking and catching.
Quarterbacks
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado: OK, we’ll go there. His ability to take punishment and throw with anticipation would probably appeal to Shanahan — not to mention the 49ers coach used to wear a Deion Sanders jersey in high school. But assuming Brock Purdy is still on board, and Mac Jones, why bring the circus to town?