49ers NFL Draft big board: 41 players to consider across the 7 rounds (2024)

Prepare yourselves for a lot of instant analysis on draft day, especially if the San Francisco 49ers take a receiver early.

What would that mean for Brandon Aiyuk, who is in the midst of negotiating what he hopes will be a massive, long-term deal? What does it say about Deebo Samuel, whose contract provides the 49ers with an escape hatch after the 2024 season?

And chances are the 49ers will take at least one receiver later this month. They lost Ray-Ray McCloud III in free agency, neither Aiyuk nor Jauan Jennings currently has a long-term deal and there’s no starter-caliber wideout in the pipeline.

Meanwhile, the draft is teeming with wideouts. There are some who are reminiscent of Samuel, some who are like Aiyuk and two with very familiar last names to 49ers fans. Here’s a big board of players who could tempt the 49ers in each round.

Round 1

OT Amarius Mims, Georgia: He’s far from a proven player, but Mims has worlds of potential in his 6-foot-8 frame with 36-inch arms. He’s tremendously physically gifted and packs the tools to become a long-term starter at either tackle position. But Mims also started only eight college games. There’s a degree of unpredictability with every draft pick; Mims would mark an aggressive roll of the dice.

CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama: With the 49ers’ top three cornerbacks all under contract only through 2024, don’t rule out an early swing at the position — especially because new defensive assistant Brandon Staley might lobby for a versatile corner to play his “Star” role (Jalen Ramsey and Derwin James Jr. played this position for Staley at past stops). Evaluators have compared Arnold to the Chicago Bears’ Jaylon Johnson. He should be capable of lining up both inside and outside.

G/C Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon: The 49ers can use boosts at every spot along their interior offensive line. Powers-Johnson might be adaptable enough to answer the bell. Center, though, should remain the focal point that it’s been for coach Kyle Shanahan throughout his entire career. And Powers-Johnson might be able to lock down that critical job.

OL Troy Fautanu, Washington:Given that the 49ers have several pressing issues — both short-term and long-term — to address up front, perhaps they should consider one of the draft’s most versatile offensive linemen. Fautanu played tackle and guard on the left side in college and his unusual build — long arms to go with a shorter stature — may allow for continued versatility in the pros. Fautanu is a mauler in the run game.

CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa: A versatile DB for Staley’s new defensive wrinkles, you say? That conversation must include DeJean, who projects to be an effective player at any secondary position. DeJean is an excellent tackler, which the 49ers consider an important trait for their defensive backs. His 4.4 speed works well in coverage.

OL Jordan Morgan, Arizona:Most evaluators project him as an NFL guard, thanks primarily to an arm length — about 33 inches — that is on the short end for tackles. Dane Brugler has written, though, that Morgan should be able to “survive” at tackle in the NFL, if he’s called to do that. But Morgan’s greatest value should come on the inside, possibly following a late-first-round selection.

DE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan: The 49ers used a pre-draft visit to host this edge rusher, who fits their prototype at the position. At 267 pounds, Kneeland is big enough to set firm edges against the run. Meanwhile, he’s refining his power pass rush moves. We can never discount the possibility of the 49ers drafting an edge rusher early.

Round 2

WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky: No one in this draft class has gotten more Samuel comparisons than Corley, who measured in at a Deebo-like 5-11, 215 pounds at the combine and who’s strong with the ball in his hands. Corley could be Samuel’s understudy in 2024, then perhaps take his spot in the lineup in 2025.

CB Mike Sainristil, Michigan: Sainristil’s size — 5-9, 182 — might cause him to fall to the end of Round 2. And teams continue to devalue nickel cornerbacks. But the savvy Sainristil could be the 49ers’ answer to their problems at that spot. He had six interceptions (two for touchdowns) last season and was a team captain known for his toughness in the running game.

WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina: He’s another receiver with Samuel connections. Both played at South Carolina and they train together in the offseason. Legette is a little taller (6-1, 221), and he’s a bit faster, too, having run his 40 in 4.39 seconds. Legette also has experience at kick returns — he had a 100-yard touchdown in 2022 — which is something to consider given the new kickoff rules.

DE Bralen Trice, Washington: Trice is another high-motor player with excellent production: He finished first in the FBS in quarterback pressures in both 2022 (70) and 2023 (78). Trice also seems like he has enough power and grit to line up inside. However, after playing in the 270s at Washington, he showed up at the combine weighing a linebacker-like 245 pounds.

DL Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State: The 49ers love defensive linemen who fire off the snap. That’s Hall, who at 299 pounds ran a 4.75-second 40 with a 1.65-second 10-yard split. Any team that drafts him, however, will have to reconcile that quickness with his lack of production in the backfield. Hall had just 1 1/2 sacks in 12 games last season.

OT Blake Fisher, Notre Dame: If the 49ers decide not to take a big swing on a tackle in Round 1, they might be able to find someone like Fisher in Round 2. He’s got excellent size at 6-6, 310 pounds and started 25 games at left tackle the last two seasons. He could challenge Colton McKivitz at right tackle this season and perhaps take over on the left side whenever Trent Williams decides to retire.

OG Dominick Puni, Kansas: He’s played both left tackle and left guard in college but projects to guard in the NFL. Puni has smooth feet for his size — 6-5, 313 — which projects well for the 49ers’ zone-blocking scheme. Meanwhile, the 49ers have questions at both guard spots after this season.

Round 3

DL Brandon Dorlus, Oregon: He’s one of the draft’s fastest defensive tackle prospects. That alone might pique the 49ers’ interest and they’ve hosted Dorlus on a visit. Dorlus could give 49ers defensive line coach Kris Kocurek the precise type of weapon he covets: A strong end for base downs who can slide inside to beat guards with his athleticism in nickel situations.

LB Trevin Wallace, Kentucky:He grew consistently more productive over three college seasons. By the end, Wallace was a captain for the Wildcats who showed a balanced collection of abilities for the linebacker position. The 49ers must actively consider the future here, with Dre Greenlaw recovering from an Achilles injury. They added Dee Winters and Jalen Graham last draft. It’s a big season for both of those second-year players.

WR Brenden Rice, USC:It’s inevitable — he’ll be known as Jerry Rice’s son among 49ers fans for the foreseeable future. That just comes with the territory. But Brenden Rice does have the size, speed and hands to develop into an NFL receiving role. His production consistently grew over four seasons at USC. Much of it came on off-schedule connections with QB Caleb Williams, so Rice will have to prove he can master the intricacies of timing and route running at the NFL level. That wasn’t a problem for his dad.

OT Kiran Amegadjie, Yale: He started at both right guard and left tackle in college. Amegadjie’s 36-inch arm length is his chief calling card. That’s an elite number that makes NFL evaluators believe he can develop into a solid tackle. But there is rawness here, seeing that Amegadjie hails from the Ivy League. He probably won’t be immediately playable.

OG Brandon Coleman, TCU:Unlike Amegadjie, Coleman looks suited to contribute immediately. He played six seasons of major college football. And the theme of adaptability that the 49ers seem interested in along the offensive line is also here. They’d be able to play Coleman wherever he proves to fit best — at either tackle or guard.

S Malik Mustapha, Wake Forest:He notched 13 tackles for loss over his last two seasons in college. That’s a testament to Mustapha’s nose for the football. The 49ers frequently ask their safeties to deliver run support. There are some questions about Mustapha’s coverage instincts, but he did maintain discipline on his assignments in college.

WR Malik Washington, Virginia: You might consider the 5-8, 191-pound Washington a “mini Deebo.” A tough runner with the ball in his hands, he forced 35 missed tackles in 2023, tops among FBS receivers. That he finished with 1,426 yards, was a team captain and handled kickoffs also ought to put him on the 49ers’ radar at the end of the third round.

Round 4

CB Andru Phillips, Kentucky: He might remind the 49ers of Deommodore Lenoir — a physical corner who’s good in press coverage and who seems to have the skills for the nickel spot. The 49ers also used one of their official 30 visits on Phillips.

OT Caedan Wallace, Penn State: The 6-5, 314-pound Wallace has started 40 games at right tackle since 2020, though evaluators think he’d be a nice fit at guard as well. He’s one of the players scheduled to visit 49ers headquarters next week.

WR Luke McCaffrey, Rice: Two years ago, McCaffrey was just beginning his transition from quarterback to wide receiver. Last season, he finished with 71 catches and 992 receiving yards. This ought to underscore two things: He’s a fast learner and has room to get better. That he has a little experience returning punts is a bonus.

WR Javon Baker, Central Florida: It’s hard to predict where Baker will land in a loaded wide receiver class. He’s not a burner, but he averaged 21.9 yards per catch last season due to his crisp route running. He’d seem to be a good fit on a team that throws to the second and third levels as much as the 49ers do.

TE Tip Reiman, Illinois: The 49ers signed free-agent tight end Eric Saubert as a possible replacement when their attempt to make restricted free agent Brock Wright their No. 2 tight end failed Wednesday when the Lions matched San Francisco’s three-year offer. Which means the team is still looking for someone to replace Charlie Woerner, who’s now with the Atlanta Falcons.

DE Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State: Evaluators won’t like his 6-1 height, his 32 3/8-inch arms or his small-for-his-position hands. But Kamara’s production is undeniable — 21 1/2 sacks and 33 tackles for loss over the last two seasons.

Round 5

WR Anthony Gould, Oregon State:There’s a lack of consensus regarding where this 5-8 speedster may be drafted. Special teams should help Gould’s case. He averaged 18.3 yards per punt return in 2022, the top mark in the FBS. Gould also developed into a steadier receiving threat over his time with the Beavers. The 49ers can look at Gould as a potential replacement for McCloud, who signed with the Falcons in free agency.

RB Isaac Guerendo, Louisville:He topped out at 810 yards in his best college season, but the 49ers might view that as a positive. Guerendo, who’s only once surpassed 100 carries in a season, should still have plenty of tread on his tires. His 4.33 40-yard dash, featuring a 1.54 10-yard split, indicates there’s enough speed here to hit the edge in the NFL. Remember that Elijah Mitchell is entering his final season under contract with the 49ers.

LB Curtis Jacobs, Penn State: He has a fast burst, as evidenced by a 1.57-second 10-yard split. Jacobs racked up 24 tackles for loss over his college career, most of which came via knifing stops on run blitzes. This is another option if the 49ers want developmental depth at linebacker, but don’t take Greenlaw’s success for granted: It’s not easy to find a quality, every-down linebacker in the fifth round.

LB Jaylan Ford, Texas:He’s a highly instinctive player who put up big numbers in college. By the time his career with the Longhorns was over, Ford had amassed 27 1/2 tackles for loss, 10 pass breakups, six interceptions and four forced fumbles. That’s the production of a good football player worthy of a close look in the draft.

CB Elijah Jones, Boston College: He’ll need to strengthen up in an NFL weight room, but Jones already has 4.4 speed and good 6-1 height. He intercepted five passes over just nine games in 2023. Jones also broke up 28 passes over the past two seasons. Brugler criticized Jones for some “undisciplined tendencies,” but he’s clearly an ascending player with the physical tools to make noise in the league.

Round 6

WR Bub Means, Pittsburgh: Means seems well-suited for a West Coast offense in that he’s got the speed — 4.43-second 40 — to turn short- and medium-length passes into big gains. He also has nice size at 6-1, 212 pounds and long arms — 33 1/2-inch arms — that are reminiscent of Aiyuk’s.

WR Ainias Smith, Texas A&M: Smith had 795 yards for the Aggies last season and has a lot of experience running the ball as well. Where he really stands out in terms of the 49ers’ needs is punt returner — he’s taken back 82 over his college career and scored an 82-yard touchdown against Arkansas last season.

TE Erick All, Iowa: All has missed big chunks of the last two seasons with injuries, most recently with a torn ACL that he suffered in October. That will no doubt hurt his draft position, but he’s shown he’s a good pass catcher who’s also willing to block.

CB Chau Smith-Wade, Washington State: He’s undersized at 5-10, 184 pounds, but his 16 pass breakups over the past two seasons underscore his ability to stick to a receiver’s hip pocket. Smith-Wade also was a team captain and played a lot of special teams at Washington State, a must for a late-round draft pick.

RB Dylan Laube, New Hampshire: He’s small-school Christian McCaffrey, leading the Wildcats in both rushing and receiving last season. The vast majority of those yards came against FCS opponents, though he did have 295 receiving yards in a narrow loss to Central Michigan.

Round 7

LB/S Jamal Hill, Oregon: This can be another Staley special for the 49ers because Hill has already demonstrated excellent roving abilities. He started his college career as a nickelback before moving to inside linebacker during his final season — despite weighing only 216 pounds. Perhaps that illustrates the sport’s trend toward lighter and quicker defenders. The 49ers hosted Hill on a pre-draft visit.

CB Shon Stephens, Ferris State:The Bakersfield native notched 16 interceptions over the past two seasons, which is a remarkable total at any level of football. Stephens is very fast — his pro day 40 was clocked at 4.4 — but he’s also only 5-8. Still, a ballhawk is a ballhawk, and the 49ers have reportedly been in contact with Stephens.

DE Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Washington:Brugler lauded his “dogged determination” when pursuing quarterbacks. Edge rushers with excellent athleticism will not be available this late in the draft, making a high motor the commodity to covet. Tupuola-Fetui certainly brings that.

RB Jase McClellan, Alabama: He started for the Crimson Tide and led them in rushing last season. McClellan also racked up 40 catches for 409 yards over his college career. That’s important to the 49ers, who want their reserve running backs to handle plays designed for McCaffrey. There are injury concerns surrounding McClellan, but he has an NFL-ready physique and could represent solid value at the end of the draft.

(Top photos of Amarius Mims, Cooper DeJean and Xavier Legette: Brandon Sloter / Image Of Sport / Getty Images, Keith Gillett / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images and Bob Levey / Getty Images)