San Francisco 49ers mock draft 2023: Finding depth for championship roster

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The San Francisco 49ers did not have a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft Thursday night. As of right now, they also won’t have a second rounder as Day 2 gets going here soon.

However, general manager John Lynch and Co. do have several picks throughout the annual event. A vast majority of these picks come in the form of compensatory selections.

Fresh off a second consecutive appearance in the NFC Championship Game, there’s a lot the 49ers have to do in the draft in order to create more depth after a ton of departures during free agency.

Below, we provide you with our final 49ers mock draft for Day 2 and beyond. But before we do, let’s check in on 49ers picks for the 2023 NFL Draft and team needs.

San Francisco 49ers draft needs 2023

Here is a list of the San Francisco 49ers draft needs heading into Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft.

2023 San Francisco 49ers draft picks

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2023 NFL mock draft Day 2: Will Levis, Hendon Hooker come off the board early

San Francisco 49ers mock draft: Adding depth

Sportsnaut used Pro Football Focus’ NFL Draft simulator, which provides the flexibility to trade and work through a variety of scenarios. Let’s dive into our 49ers mock draft.

Round 3, 99th overall: Ji’Ayir Brown, safety, Penn State

San Francisco lost its longest-tenured player in that of defensive back Jimmie Ward to the Houston Texans in free agency. He was also about as versatile as they come. Re-signing former Pro Bowler Tashaun Gipson to play next to All-Pro Talanoa Hufanga helps short term. But there’s a need down the road.

Brown checks all the boxes when it comes to his versatility and scheme fit under new 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. He can play the slot, in the box and actually boasts the necessary skill set to line up as a centerfielder. It also doesn’t hurt that Brown recorded 10 interceptions in his final two seasons with Penn State.

Round 3, 101st overall: Zack Kuntz, tight end, Old Dominion

It’s a widely held belief that this is among the best tight end classes in recent NFL Draft history. San Francisco has also done more homework on this position than any team in the league with nine having visited with the organization during the pre-draft process. Kuntz was among those visits.

The idea would be to get another receiving threat at tight end behind All-Pro George Kittle. Of the group, Kuntz makes the most sense. He stands at 6-foot-7 and weighs 255 pounds. We’re talking about a red zone threat out of the gate for whoever is under center in San Francisco. He has the speed to get to the second level and can create separation in the seam. In short, he’s an ideal fit in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

Also Read:
2023 NFL Draft big board: Best players available on Day 2

Round 3, 102nd overall: Tyler Steen, offensive tackle, Alabama

Longtime 49ers starting right tackle Mike McClinchey left for the Denver Broncos on a lucrative long-term deal. While McGlinchey was as inconsistent as they come in San Francisco, it leaves a major hole opposite future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams.

That’s where the 6-foot-5, 315-pound Steen comes into play. After transferring from Vanderbilt, he was tasked with protecting Bryce Young’s blindside at left tackle.

Steen showed a tremendous amount of improvement throughout the season and could end up starting early in his NFL career. He’s also a perfect fit in San Francisco’s zone-blocking scheme with the athleticism to pull to the outside. This selection would be a home run for general manager John Lynch and Co.

Full 7-round San Francisco 49ers mock draft

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