The San Francisco 49ers came just a step short of reaching their ultimate goal of a Super Bowl championship back in February.
Just two months later, the team has an opportunity to shake off the loss and go back to the drawing board in the 2024 NFL Draft. Thursday marks an opportunity for San Francisco to move forward with the No. 31 pick, the team’s first first-round selection since 2021. That and more in today’s 49ers news!
San Francisco 49ers News Today
NFL Draft Analyst Selects OT in First Round of Final Mock
San Francisco has an opportunity to build upon a strength. The team’s offensive line has all five starters returning, but age is still a factor with Trent Williams at 35 years old. Other positions along the line could stand to improve, too. That’s why Dallas Robinson has the team going with Arizona tackle Jordan Morgan in his 3-round mock.
“Although he played tackle at Arizona, Jordan Morgan could be an optimal pick for the 49ers. He’d be a long-term option at either tackle spot but could instantly start over Jon Feliciano and Spencer Burford at right guard. Morgan’s mobility and ability in space should work well in Kyle Shanahan’s scheme.”
KEEP READING: Dallas Robinson’s Final 2024 Mock Draft
San Francisco Continues To Build Defense in Later Portion of Mock
The 49ers had one of the best scoring defenses and defenses in terms of yardage last season. Robinson has Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. heading to the 49ers with the team’s 63rd overall pick. Rakestraw tallied 24 pass deflections and eight tackles for loss in four seasons with the Tigers.
In the third round — No. 94th overall — Robinson mocked Duke defensive tackle DeWayne Carter to San Francisco. Carter had 12 sacks, 11 pass deflections, four fumbles recoveries (two for a touchdown), seven forced fumbles, and 24.5 tackles for loss in five seasons.
READ MORE: Top CBs in the 2024 NFL Draft | Top DTs in the 2024 NFL Draft
Daniel Jeremiah Shares Final 2024 Mock Draft
NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah finalized his last mock draft. Jeremiah has Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy heading to the 49ers. Worthy tallied 197 receptions, 2,755 yards, and 26 touchdowns in three seasons with Texas.
“This is my favorite fit in the first round,” Jeremiah wrote. “We saw what Tank Dell did in a similar offensive system with Houston, and we know what Mike McDaniel has been able to build with so much speed at receiver in Miami. Worthy gives Kyle Shanahan a similar weapon.”
RELATED: 2024 NFL Draft Industry Consensus Big Board
Former NT Looks Back Fondly on Draft Day and Olympic Competition
The year was 1984 — there was social unrest rising in the Eastern Bloc and the United States hosted the Olympics in Los Angeles while the Soviet Union and other similarly aligned countries, boycotted the event. Michael Carter, a standout of SMU on the football field and in the shotput circle, competed in the 1984 Olympics and won a silver medal.
During his preparation, Carter was drafted by the 49ers and went on to have a strong career with the team. He was a three-time first-team All-Pro, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, and a three-time Super Bowl champion. As he recalled to the San Francisco Chronicle’s Eric Branch, he was surprised when he was picked with the 121st pick of the NFL Draft.
“When I first got a hold of that shot, I fell in love with it,” Carter said. “So football, basically, was along for the ride. … What made it so intriguing is that I split time being a nose tackle on the football field and came back and competed well in the shot put.
“And everyone said, ‘Can you imagine what you could do if you just gave up football?’ And other people said, ‘Can you imagine what you could do if you gave up track and field?’ I had people pulling on both ends.”
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Draft with your friends today! PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator now supports multiple drafters during the same draft! Find out how the PFN Scouting Department ranks this year’s prospects with our 2024 NFL Draft Big Board and follow along throughout the draft with our NFL team needs tracker.