Last year, the 49ers surrendered this year's first-round pick as part of a massive package to move up to select quarterback Trey Lance at No. 3 overall. In doing so, the team's perceived total draft value plummeted.
"This calculation assigns a value to every pick in the draft and ranks teams based on the sum of their pick values," notes Tankathon. "The values for each pick were determined by [the Jimmy Johnson model] widely used."
San Francisco's pick value of 506.4 bests only the Los Angeles Rams, who earned a mark of 169.9. It could be a quiet first day of the draft for the 49ers, assuming they don't find a way back into the first round. The team's first selection is the No. 61 overall pick, and it owns just two picks in the top 93. Only the Rams have a later "first pick" (No. 103 overall) in this year's draft.
The New York Jets ranked No. 1 on the list, owning four of the top 38 selections and two picks in the top 10.
The 49ers' draft value could increase in the coming weeks. The team is expected to trade starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, opening the door for Lance to become the team's starter in 2022 and beyond. However, it is unclear how much interest Garoppolo is attracting. The 49ers are reportedly working with the quarterback to find a trade situation that benefits all parties involved.
The lack of a first-round pick might not be as concerning in this draft compared to previous ones.
"You can find starters there on day two and day three," NFL Media draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah recently said during a recent conference call. "Yeah, that's the Rams' thing. I think that's going to catch on around the league, too, is people are going to realize when you target the right positions outside of round 1, you can survive without a first-round pick."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Jones-Drew mock draft has 49ers adding disruptive D-lineman
Maurice Jones-Drew believes he knows the perfect fit for the San Francisco 49ers in the upcoming draft. In his latest mock draft, the NFL.com analyst projects Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham to the team with the 11th overall pick. "The 49ers lost a ton of talent along... -
49ers held pre-draft meeting with Georgia WR Arian Smith
Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network reports that the San Francisco 49ers recently held a virtual meeting with wide receiver Arian Smith, Georgia's leading receiver last season. Fowler describes Smith as "one of the most explosive pass-catches in the class." Busy last few weeks... -
49ers stay focused on pass rush in Charles Davis' latest mock draft
Earlier this month, NFL Media analyst Charles Davis released his first mock draft of the year, and he had the San Francisco 49ers strengthening their pass rush by selecting Marshall defensive end Mike Green. On Thursday, Davis unveiled his latest mock draft. While the top... -
Matt Miller's 7-round mock draft: Does it address the 49ers' needs?
ESPN analyst Matt Miller has released his annual seven-round mock draft, a comprehensive projection of all 257 picks. After losing key contributors this offseason, the San Francisco 49ers enter the 2025 NFL Draft with several pressing needs. Among their top priorities are...