Both the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk’s camp have denied any reports of the star wide receiver being involved in trade conversations.
However, that doesn’t mean the two sides are anywhere close to agreeing to a long-term extension, and with Aiyuk’s future in San Francisco possibly in question entering his contract year, the team may look to use the 31st overall pick on a wide receiver.
In today’s 49ers news, we discuss one potential option for San Francisco at wide receiver in the first round and more with one week to go until the 2024 NFL Draft.
San Francisco 49ers News Today
NFL Mock Draft Has 49ers Taking Texas WR Adonai Mitchell
In his latest 2024 NFL Mock Draft for Pro Football Network, Joe Broback has the 49ers drafting Texas WR Adonai Mitchell at No. 31 overall.
“If the 49ers can’t figure something out with Brandon Aiyuk, receiver rockets up their list of draft needs,” Broback wrote. “With Adonai Mitchell sitting on the board, this decision shouldn’t be too difficult. He’s an underrated prospect with a great skill set and would lessen the blow if Aiyuk goes elsewhere in the future.”
Mitchell had 55 receptions for 845 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns last season for Texas. In two seasons at Georgia before transferring to Texas, he had 38 receptions for 560 yards and seven touchdowns.
On Pro Football Network Draft Analyst Ian Cummings’ Big Board, Mitchell is the 28th-ranked player and the fifth-best receiver.
KEEP READING: Broback’s Latest NFL Mock Draft
49ers Select Lloyd Cushenberry in 2020 NFL Redraft
What if the 2020 NFL Draft was redone?
LSan Francisco originally had the 31st pick in the 2020 NFL Draft but decided to trade up with the Minnesota Vikings to No. 25. Minnesota acquired San Francisco’s first (31st), fourth (117th), and fifth-round (176th) selections in the deal.
Following the deal, the 49ers originally took the aforementioned Aiyuk at No. 25 after previously selecting defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw at pick 14.
In redrafting the 2020 NFL Draft, and assuming San Francisco had decided to stand pat, Pro Football Network’s Dallas Robinson had the 49ers drafting center Lloyd Cushenberry.
“The 49ers had signed free agent center Weston Richburg in 2019, hoping the former Giant would handle the middle of their OL for years to come. But Richburg started the 2020 campaign on the physically unable to perform list with a hip injury and ultimately never played another NFL game.
“A third-round selection in actuality, Lloyd Cushenberry worked under three Broncos coaching staffs in four seasons but still offered above-average play across 57 starts. His mobility at the pivot will work in San Francisco.”
CONTINUE READING: Redrafting the 2020 NFL Draft
49ers Set To Select First-Round Pick for First Time Since 2021
As for the 49ers’ return to the first round, ESPN’s Nick Wagoner wrote about the team’s absence from the spot over the past two seasons. Prior to the 2021 NFL Draft, San Francisco traded its 2021 and 2022 first-round selections, along with a 2022 third-round compensatory selection to Miami to move up to No. 3 overall and select QB Trey Lance.
Lance only played in eight games, however, starting four with a 2-2 record. He completed 56 of 102 attempts (54.9%) for 797 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. Last August, the Dallas Cowboys acquired Lance from San Fran for a 2024 fourth-round pick.
Now, head coach Kyle Shanahan is looking forward to being back in the first round for the first time since then.
“It’s pretty miserable not having a first-round pick just sitting there and watch it and have nothing to do that day,” Shanahan said.
GET DRAFTING: Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
