Saturday, January 16, 2021

San Francisco 49ers 2021 NFL Mock Draft Roundup, 4.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our San Francisco 49ers Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the San Francisco 49ers from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

For a more inclusive lists of mock drafts for the San Francisco 49ers, check out our 2021 San Francisco 49ers Mock Draft Database.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the 49ers:

EDSFootball - Kevin Hanson (1/15)

12. Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

While Jimmy Garoppolo has two years remaining on his contract, there is no guaranteed money left on his deal. Durability has been an issue with Garoppolo, but he has been little more than a "game manager" when on the field. Given the pandemic, NDSU played only one game in Lance's redshirt sophomore season, but he has an intriguing set of dual-threat skills. Over 17 career games, Lance has accounted for 48 touchdowns -- 30 passing and 18 rushing -- and thrown only one interception.

San Diego Union Tribune - Eddie Brown (1/13)

12. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

The 49ers currently don't have a corner under contract after this season. Surtain, a former five-star recruit, has NFL DNA (father was an All-Pro corner who played 11 seasons) and prototypical traits. He was recently named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

CBS Sports - Chris Trapasso (1/13)

12. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

Darrisaw reminds me a lot of Trent Williams, who is set to be a free agent after his one season in San Francisco.

The Athletic - Dane Brugler (1/12)

12. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

The 49ers don't have any cornerbacks under contract for next season so saying cornerback is a need is an understatement. And in this scenario, need matches talent with Surtain, who might not have elite speed or twitch but has NFL-ready cover skills and instincts.

The Draft Network - Joe Marino (1/7)

12. Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

The 49ers face a contract decision with Trent Williams--they should make every effort to retain him. Even if they do, the San Francisco offensive line needs an upgrade on the interior. In Slater, the 49ers would have an immediate starter at either guard or tackle, providing either a boost to the interior or a replacement for Williams.

ESPN - Todd McShay (1/7)

12. Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

The 49ers' pass defense was a strength this season, ranking fourth in yards allowed per game (207.9). But here's the list of pending unrestricted free agents at cornerback: Richard Sherman, Jason Verrett, Ahkello Witherspoon, K'Waun Williams and Dontae Johnson. Injuries hurt San Francisco all over this season, but there isn't a bigger question mark on the team going forward than at corner. Enter Farley, a 2020 opt-out with terrific ball skills. He had four interceptions for the Hokies in 2019.

Could the Niners make a change at QB? Of course, especially if Justin Fields were actually to fall this far. (He is dropping in this mock mainly because there aren't any trades.) Jimmy Garoppolo is only under contract for two more seasons, has very little guaranteed money still owed to him and has battled injuries during his time with the 49ers.

USA Today - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (1/5)

12. Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

Any attempt to upgrade from Jimmy Garoppolo likely will have to take place via free agency or trade, whether that be for a veteran or one of the top four signal-callers in this draft. Should it stand pat in this slot, San Francisco might look to address its offensive line, especially if Trent Williams doesn't return.

Athlon Sports - Bryan Fisher (1/5)

12. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

While the 49ers will get healthy on offense going into 2021, the needs on defense are just too glaring not to address with this pick. Surtain is a plug-and-play-caliber corner that can take over Richard Sherman's old spot for years to come by the Bay. John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan also will be excited over how the second-generation pro knows what to do in the NFL from day one as the franchise hopes to return to the Super Bowl in short order.

Previous update: San Francisco 49ers Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

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