As the 2019 NFL Draft begins to draw closer, the San Francisco 49ers know that they cannot afford to miss. After another year of disappointing, the franchise wants to get back on track. In order to do so, however, they will need to plug a few more holes that were obvious during the 2018 NFL season.
San Francisco finished the season with a 4-12 record, which was nowhere near the hype that surrounded them.
Ahead of the season, the 49ers were being talked about as a potential sleeper contender in the NFC. That was largely due to the fact that Jimmy Garoppolo was expected to take the next step. Unfortunately, Garoppolo ended up tearing his ACL early in the season, which ended any hope of competing for the playoffs.
Despite the disappointing year, the 49ers have a lot of talent on their roster. They also hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. There are plenty of good players for them to choose between, but it will also be hard for them to decide on one prospect that they like over the others.
All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at which five prospects would be the best first round targets for the 49ers this year.
5. Cody Ford, Offensive Line, Oklahoma
There is a major need for the 49ers to bring in a young offensive guard to help protect Garoppolo moving forward. Cody Ford is going to be the most talented offensive lineman coming out of the draft this year.
Standing in at 6-foot-4 and 340 pounds, Ford is an athletic freak on the offensive line. San Francisco needs guys who can not only pass block, but run block as well, and Ford would be that guy for them.
The Oklahoma standout is currently projected to go between picks six to 10, which puts him a bit low for the 49ers. Using the No. 2 overall pick on Ford might be viewed as a major reach. Trading down and targeting him might be the best move the team can make.
4. Rashan Gary, Defensive End, Michigan
Let's switch to the defensive side of the football and take a look at Rashan Gary. The Michigan pass rusher and run stopper combo defensive lineman would be an intriguing pickup for a team that could use both. San Francisco's defense line left a lot to be desired last season.
Gary is going to be an absolute monster at the next level. He racked up 38 total tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2018. They weren't the most amazing numbers on paper, but the impact he had for the Michigan defense was impressive.
San Francisco needs big bodies on the defensive line and it doesn't get much bigger than Gary at 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds.
3. Quinnen Williams, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
Adding another big defensive lineman to the list of potential targets, Alabama's Quinnen Williams could be an ideal fit as well for the 49ers.
During the 2018 season with the Crimson Tide, Williams ended up recording 71 total tackles to go along with 8.0 sacks and a tipped pass. Those numbers show just how dominant the 6-foot-4, 290-pound lineman was. San Francisco needs beef and Williams would offer them excellent run stuffing and pass rushing ability from the inside of the line.
Williams is projected to go in the top-five and the 49ers would have to take him at No. 2 to guarantee getting him. At this point in time, Williams seems like a decent bet to be San Francisco's pick.
2. Trade Back
Next up, would be the option to trade back in the draft. San Francisco wouldn't have to trade back too far, but they could gain extra assets and still be able to take a quality player. If they traded back five or six slots, the 49ers would still have a decent chance to grab a guy like Cody Ford, who is already on this list.
Kyle Shanahan and company have a few holes to fill. Trading back would give John Lynch the ability to bring in multiple players to help fill those holes.
San Francisco could very well decide to stick at No. 2, but it would not be shocking to see them consider moving back if the offers are right.
1. Josh Allen, Defensive End, Kentucky
Finally, Josh Allen might be the best talent that the 49ers could take at No. 2. They need some pass rushing and Allen is one of the elite pass rushers in this draft. He is projected to go in the top three or five and San Francisco would not be making a mistake by taking him at No. 2.
Allen put together a huge season in 2018 for Kentucky, racking up 88 total tackles to go along with 17.0 sacks, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and four defended passes.
Those numbers show why the 49ers should strongly consider taking him. Allen is the real deal and any team that gets him will be getting an elite pass rusher for years to come. Passing on him could come with a lot of regret.
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