32 for 32: NFL Draft Predictions for the 49ers

March 31, 2020

Brandon Murchison's 2020 NFL Draft predictions for the San Francisco 49ers. His 32 for 32 series looks at fantasy football implications for redraft and dynasty.

The 49ers were on the cusp of bringing home a Super Bowl title in 2019. The offense may not have that one stud player to count on for fantasy scoring, but they get the job done. Will the NFL Draft bring more value for fantasy owners to count on consistently? Let's find out in our latest edition of the NFL Draft 32 for 32 series.

The focus of this series is to dive into each NFL team's needs to project their draft picks in this year's draft, which will go on as planned in late April. I will predict the first three selections and give fantasy football owners perspective on how this affects fantasy value. Whether it be a positional player or players on the defensive side of the ball, all selections made can help in some way when it comes to fantasy scoring.

As we have seen in recent memory, some rookies can enter this league and make an immediate impact. Based on the appropriate landing spot, this year's crop of prospects has the potential to create some very fantasy-friendly situations. When you're done here, look back on our previous installments by checking the links at the bottom of this page.

2019 Review

In what was a magical season, the 2019 49ers showed that old-school football could still get the job done. Jimmy Garoppolo steered an offense that stayed focused on the running game to eat clock and limit mistakes. Garoppolo was one of the league's most accurate QBs a season ago (69.1%), as he focused on positively-graded throws closer to the line of scrimmage. He also ranked near the bottom of the league in big-time throws, but on those throws he did attempt, many of them were turnover-worthy.

His solid decision-making skills fit in very well with Kyle Shanahan's system, which led to a QB14 finish a season ago. As Garoppolo continues to get comfortable as the starting QB for this team, odds are that he can only improve as a fantasy producer. But in the meantime, he should still be drafted in the range of an upper-tier QB2.

The receiving group that was at Garoppolo's disposal was somewhat hot and cold throughout the season. The overhyped Dante Pettis drew all the eyes entering the season but ultimately flopped (11 catches for 109 yards and two TD). Marquise Goodwin was just as invisible himself (12 catches and one score). But it was the additions to this team that ultimately took hold. Rookie Deebo Samuel started a little slow, but eventually became the team's go-to receiver (57 catches for 803 yards and three scores) and finished as WR31. The mid-season trade for Emmanuel Sanders gave this team a solid veteran presence as he was a steady contributor but also had weeks where he was unusable in fantasy.

With Sanders now gone (New Orleans Saints), the only receiver currently worth drafting here is Samuel, who could hold value as a low-end WR2/high-end WR3. But a deep sleeper could be Jalen Hurd, who flashed in the preseason in 2019 before missing the year due to injury. Keep an eye on him and grab late in drafts. As for George Kittle, he will continue to be one of the premier tight ends in the NFL and one of the first two off the board in fantasy drafts.

The key to success for the 49ers last year was a high-powered running game. The committee approach was a headache for fantasy owners but did well for the team. Weekly, you never knew which back would be performing well. One week it was Matt Breida, the next Tevin Coleman, then by the end of the year, it was clear that the guy was Raheem Mostert. Mostert and Coleman split the rushes (137 for each) but Mostert finished with more yardage (772) and three more total scores (10). All these RBs are expected back yet again in 2020, so the committee approach may again take hold. But Mostert has a very high ceiling if given the keys to the backfield and should be drafted as a low-end RB2. The rest only holds value as potential bye-week fillers or bench stashes in case of injury.

San Francisco 49ers - 2020 Outlook

TEAM GRADES 
Offense: 83.9 (3rd)
Defense: 89.7 (2nd)
Overall: 93.9 (1st)

TEAM NEEDS
CB, OL, S

First Selection (1.13)

Jedrick Willis, OT Alabama

Willis is a big, wide, and extremely athletic offensive line prospect. His traditional position is as an offensive tackle, but his height and length may be a little undersized by today's standards for the position. He does hold some positional flexibility and, if needed, could slide inside to guard and excel. He is quick off the ball and his footwork and strength allow him to get into defenders early as he opens lanes for the running game.

He can overpower and bulldoze some of the game's strongest defenders, but also has the balance to work with quicker edge rushers as well. His nasty play style will mix right in with a 49ers offense that is predicated in controlling the game with the run.

Second Selection (1.31)

Cameron Dantzler, CB Mississippi State

Dantzler is an explosive athlete that thrives on playing with loads of confidence and a strong sense of competitiveness. His long, stringy frame, coupled with surprising strength makes him a cornerback that few QBs wanted to challenge in college. He excels in press coverage and thrives on suffocating a receiver before he gets out of his break. He plays routes very tight from start to finish and does a good job of staying with speedsters vertically.

He won't give up many big plays in coverage but can be a liability from time to time as a tackler in run support. If he can clean that up and work on wrapping up ball carriers, there is nothing that can hold him back from becoming a solid starter in this league for years to come.

Third Selection (5.11)

Alohi Gilman, S Notre Dame

Gilman is a player that competes hard on every snap. He plays with urgency and aggressiveness, both of which are hard for a coaching staff to ignore. He is a hard charger downhill to ball carriers as he likes to apply the big hit but can also line up and play in coverage against tight ends. He does have several inconsistencies that will cause him to slide down the draft board though.

His pursuit lacks control at times and so does his tackling. Gilman will have the occasional mental bust in coverage that can be killers and lead to big plays. The limitations are there, but the athleticism is worth the shot. Gilman ultimately should be a key contributor on special teams for the 49ers.

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