The San Francisco 49ers have frequently been mentioned in draft trade rumors, especially with speculation that they may target a top-tier offensive tackle in the first round. However, that chatter appears to be fading.
"And while San Francisco (No. 11) has been linked to trade rumors, there isn't much buzz around the 49ers making a move as of now," Fowler wrote in a feature for ESPN. "If San Francisco targets defensive line, the 11th pick is a good spot to find someone."
Fowler's report aligns with comments made by 49ers general manager John Lynch on Tuesday. Lynch anticipates limited movement early in the draft, noting that many teams seem more inclined to trade down due to the overall depth of this year's rookie class.
"What I believe, I feel like there's a lot of people trying to [trade down]," Lynch said, "probably because ... the quality of starters that run deep into this draft. And generally, when everyone wants to do the same thing, there's not as much opportunity.
"So, I think, early in the draft, that's what I feel. A lot of people are going to end up staying put because everyone's trying to do the same thing."
Lynch added that it only takes one aggressive move to trigger a chain reaction. Still, he doesn't currently see many realistic opportunities to move down.
As for trading up, Lynch didn't address that scenario directly. However, with several depth concerns created during the offseason, and the general manager praising the draft's depth, the 49ers appear focused on using their 11 total picks to restock the roster with young, cost-effective talent.