However, Kiper has the team going in another direction. He proposes adding a pass rusher to complement defensive end Nick Bosa on the opposite side. Kiper's pick for San Francisco is Chop Robinson of Penn State.
Kiper wrote, "It has to be offensive line or edge rusher for the 49ers, right? They need to find young talent so they can use their cap space on their veteran stars. I went offensive tackle in my debut mock, but let's switch to the defense here."
With several defensive linemen set to become unrestricted free agents next month, including this past season's prized trade acquisition, Chase Young, the 49ers may prioritize adding another edge rusher through either the draft or free agency.
"San Francisco could take the comp pick for defensive end Chase Young and let him walk in free agency, opening up a spot on the other side of Nick Bosa," Kiper continued. "That's where I'd slot in Robinson, whose sack numbers were a little disappointing the past two seasons (9.5 total, four in 2023) but who has the potential to be a star."
Despite Kiper's assessment of Robinson's recent seasons, the defender still boasted Pro Football Focus' 6th-highest overall grade (90.8) and 4th-highest pass-rush grade (92.3) among edge rushers. He has amassed 60 tackles, including 20 for a loss, 11.5 sacks, three passes defensed, and three forced fumbles in three collegiate seasons, per Sports Reference.
Kiper concluded, "At 6-3, 250 pounds, he is extremely explosive. Give him time with 49ers D-line coach Kris Kocurek and he could be a star. The reason Robinson might be a late Round 1 pick is because of that questionable production, but scouts and execs love his tool set."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers place Christian McCaffrey on IR, adding 2 running backs
The San Francisco 49ers have officially placed running back Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve. He sustained a PCL injury during Sunday's loss to the Buffalo Bills. Running back Jordan Mason is also expected to be placed on injured reserve in the coming days after suffering... -
ESPN mock draft: 49ers eye D-line help
With the San Francisco 49ers fighting to avoid playoff elimination in the final stretch of the regular season, it's also time to start considering mock drafts and the players experts believe could help the team bounce back from another potentially disappointing campaign. ESPN... -
Christian McCaffrey's father confident 49ers star will overcome latest setback
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed after Sunday night's loss to the Buffalo Bills that running back Christian McCaffrey suffered a right posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury during the game. While Shanahan did not rule out the possibility of the injury... -
Brock Purdy update: Kyle Shanahan says 49ers QB has been 'great all week'
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy struggled during last Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Difficult weather conditions and his recent recovery from a shoulder injury likely contributed to his performance. This week, Purdy has been a full participant in practice and is...