While Larry Krueger should seldom be questioned when it comes to draft predictions and future 49ers, the peak of free agency has come and gone, and adjustments needed to be made.
Larry went back to the big board to find value wherever it may be, leaving no stone unturned, and after weeks of preparation and compiling, here is Larry Krueger’s 2019 San Francisco 49ers mock draft 2.0:
First Round
No. 2: Quinnen Williams – DT, Alabama
Separating himself from the pack, Krueger thinks that the 49ers will bolster the interior defensive line, pairing Williams with Pro-Bowler DeForest Buckner, instead of addressing the edge with guys like Nick Bosa or Josh Allen. After watching the tape and analyzing his game, Larry thinks that Quinnen Williams is more than just a big body in the middle.
“Somebody told me earlier this year that trying to block him is like trying to hold a wet bar of soap,” Krueger said. “He’s slippery, he’s athletic, he’s fast, and his college tape is unbelievable.”
The addition of Dee Ford is sure to improve the pass rush, and Kruger thinks that adding a talent like Williams would make the 49ers defensive line, both the interior and the edge, a formidable unit for years to come.
“Think of a nose-guard who can rush the passer. That’s what he is. He’s a major force. You put him next to DeForest Buckner, and there’s your mismatch going forward for the next decade.”
Second Round
No. 36: A.J. Brown – WR, Ole Miss
One of the main concerns for the 49ers going into last season was the lack of offensive firepower, especially the weapons at the wide receiver position. When you have a franchise quarterback like Jimmy Garoppolo, you need to surround him with weapons, and Larry thinks the 49ers will address that problem in the second round with A.J. Brown.
“There’s been so much talk about D.K. Metcalf, while Brown is really the better talent. At 6’1, 225 lbs, he will step in and be the 49ers number one wide-receiver day one.”
Going for over 1,300 yards and six touchdowns last season, Brown hopes he can continue his success at the pro level, and Larry thinks it will be in the red and gold.
Third Round
No. 67: Johnathan Abrams – Safety, Mississippi State
The secondary last season was a major area of concern for the 49ers last season, and Larry thinks that John Lynch, the former All-Pro safety, has found a fellow safety that can help lift the defense up in Johnathan Abrams
“One thing Lynch knows is great safety play, and Abrams is a monster. Against the run and against the pass, he’s strong, fast, productive, and is a leader. I think he’s going to be a big-time player in the NFL for years to come. Lynch may go for him in round two, but if he’s still available in round three, Lynch is going to grab him right there.”
Fourth Round
No. 104: Jordan Brailford – Edge, Oklahoma State
While the 49ers added help to the edge via free agency with Dee Ford, Krueger thinks the 49ers aren’t stopping there, and have them taking Jordan Brailford in the fourth round. A physical freak, Brailford could be another piece in what seems to be shaping into one of the best defensive lines in football.
“(Brailford) led the Cowboys last year with nine sacks as well as 16 tackles-for-loss. He ran in the 4.5’s, and is a terrific edge player. He’s a guy that is kind of beneath the radar and might still be there in the fourth round, but he is the total package.
Sixth Round
No. 176: Jake Bailey – Kicker/Punter, Stanford
With the departure of punter Bradley Pinion, Krueger thinks the 49ers will fill that need in the sixth round of this year’s draft.
“I’m not a huge fan using picks on punters or kickers, but Bailey is the exception. He is an incredible punter and he can handle kickoffs, and I think he’ll be a great find for the 49ers in the sixth round.”
No. 212: Nick Allegretti – Center/Guard, Illinois
It’s never a bad idea to stock up on offensive line talent, and Larry thinks the 49ers will take a flyer on Illinois center Nick Allegretti. He may not be the most highly touted prospect, but Krueger thinks that Allegretti is the type of guy you want in your foxhole when things get dicey.
“This guy will fight you. A former collegiate wrestler and three-time academic All-American, this is a tough guy who will play beyond the whistle. If you’re looking for somebody who will fight you inside a phone booth and really battle you on the line of scrimmage in the NFL remember that name; Nick Allegretti.”
Larry will be be mocking the entire 49ers draft up until the actual event on April 25. Be sure to check back in at KNBR.com for more mocks in the lead up to the big day.
