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Ranking the 49ers by positional strength after the 2021 NFL Draft
Let’s take a look at the Niners’ roster and how it stacks up now that we’re past the NFL Draft
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Despite finishing 6-10, the expectations for the San Francisco 49ers are sky-high heading into the 2021 season. I saw one power ranking have the Niners as high as No. 3 in the league, which feels rich.
The massive trade up to the third overall pick will ultimately determine the fate of this team. Still, the 49ers should receive playing time from a couple of draft picks early on, and the team elected to “run it back” with their free-agent signings, signaling they’re happy with the state of their roster.
Predicting the San Francisco 49ers 2021 roster following the NFL Draft. San Francisco needs to cut its roster down from 90 to 53 before Week 1. There s some surprises included in here.
How often do the 49ers late-round picks work out?
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San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle against the Seattle Seahawks in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Seattle. Kittle is one of two day-three draft picks who have turned into high-impact starters during the Kyle Shanahan-John Lynch era. Stephen Brashear / Associated Press
The San Francisco made four selections on day three of the 2021 NFL Draft.
What are the odds any of them pan out?
Since head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch took over in 2017, here s a full list of their day-three selections:
Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU (6-1, 208 pounds)
The 49ers need to think about the near future of safety with Jaquiski Tartt and Jimmie Ward fading on the back end. Moehrig is the most complete playmaker in a deep class for the position.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Memphis (5-11, 191 pounds)
The 49ers do have Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. but they also had more durability issues in the backfield last season. Gainwell is a great value pick here as he can excel in Kyle Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme to help new first-round QB Trey Lance.
43. San Francisco: Richie Grant, S, UCF
Jaquiski Tartt has had a rash of injuries over the past few seasons. Grant, an undersized but all-around solid and aggressive safety, would at least an important third safety if not a starter in San Francisco.