San Francisco 49ers Mock Draft: NFC Champions select the most underrated player in the draft

The 49ers were close to winning it all this past season losing 25-22 to Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. They will look to find enough difference-makers in the 2024 NFL Draft with their ten draft picks to close that final gap.

On the offensive side of the ball look for San Fransico to address their offensive line early in the draft. They will also look to add depth at wide receiver, and tight end in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The 49ers also have several needs on the defensive side of the ball. One of these is at cornerback and they could get the most underrated player in the 2024 NFL Draft Kool-Aid McKinstry with their first-round pick. In addition to addressing the secondary look for San Fransico to add a couple of linebackers in the mid-rounds.

San Francisco 49ers Mock Draft

The San Fransico 49ers had a solid pass defense last season only giving up 221 yards a game. However, they struggled against teams who spread them out like the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals. Look for the 49ers to try and upgrade the third cornerback spot since Ambry Thomas struggled most of last season.

A player who should be able to start early in his career is Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry whom the team has already had a formal meeting with. McKinstry is the most fundamentally sound corner in the 2024 NFL Draft and excels in both press and man coverage. He is also willing to come up and make the tackle vs. the run, which is something the 49ers prioritize.

The 49ers finished with the number two-rated offense in total yards, and return all five of their starter. Despite this, look for the team to add several linemen with their ten picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. One reason for this is right tackle Kolton McKivitz allowed nine sacks last season. Another reason is that Trent Williams is getting up their in age and likely only has one or two seasons left.

"I would say that I’m tenacious. I have great feet and good hands. I’m a high-motor, effort player that plays through every whistle. I’m extremely coachable. I’d add noble to that. I’m a noble person"

- Paul via The Draft Network

One of the top pass blockers in the 2024 NFL Draft is Houston’s Patrick Paul. Last season, Paul was the highest-grade offensive tackle when it came to pass blocking according to Pro Football Focus. In 2022 he allowed just one sack and was PFF’s second grade pass blocking tackle. In addition to holding up well in pass protection, he is also an impressive athlete who should fit well in the 49ers offensive scheme.