The 49ers are no strangers to trading up in the NFL Draft, and one trade-heavy mock has them doing just that to land a defensive standout.
The mass exodus of talent the San Francisco 49ers experienced earlier this offseason suggests they’ll need more than just the 11 current picks they have in the 2025 NFL Draft to adequately plug holes left on their roster.
That might prompt some to think general manager John Lynch would entertain a trade-down, although the actual hopes for doing so might be more difficult than the mere suggestion.
But, in light of this year’s draft lacking true blue-chip talent, combined with the fact pure depth is a strength, what if Lynch and Co. opted to trade up to grab someone they felt was a must-have prospect, especially if it wasn’t too costly.
That’s what Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame proposed in a 32-traded-pick mock draft.
49ers grab Jalon Walker by trading up to No. 9 overall in NFL Draft
With what could be an early run on quarterbacks, the handful of non-quarterbacking blue-chip prospects available may ultimately be pushed down toward the Niners’ top pick in Round 1, No. 11 overall.
In Verderame’s mock, the prospect San Francisco truly wants is Georgia edge Jalon Walker, someone who could double as a linebacker or pass-rushing defensive end.
But, to ensure Walker doesn’t get swiped by the 10th-overall-drafting Chicago Bears, the 49ers leapfrog in a deal with the No. 9-drafting New Orleans Saints, sending off the 11th and 113th overall picks in exchange.
From Verderame:
“The Niners are overhauling their roster to a large degree, and they could take a big swing with Walker. Moving up two spots with the Saints, San Francisco gets a player in Walker who could either be an off-ball linebacker or an edge rusher, depending on the perspective of the coaching staff. “
The trade itself is relatively cheap, a pick outside the top 100 to ensure Walker winds up being the pick.
Plus, the Niners have a bona fide need to land an edge rusher who can pair with the All-Pro, Nick Bosa, especially after dismissing veteran defensive end Leonard Floyd as part of their offseason cash-saving measures.
Additionally, a flexible defensive piece would give coordinator Robert Saleh a unique commodity who’d be able to plug in right away with that side of the ball.
Granted, it’d be anyone’s guess if San Francisco is thinking in such a manner, and Walker could end up slipping to the 49ers at No. 11 overall anyway.
But, in a trade-filled mock, the Niners executing such a move would make plenty of sense.