Niners Eye Trade Down for Defensive Boost

0:00On April 22nd, the San Francisco 49ers are eyeing a trade down from their 27th overall pick in the draft, mainly to grab an offensive, Lyman. Reporters say the teen drafts for media needs over long-term plans, and with Trent Williams locked in for a couple more years, they still want. Depth there, without ignoring the line altogether. Last season's pass rush was a real weak spot that hurt them more than any line play issues. Central manager John Lynch admitted those struggles, and even with Keon White showing some promise inside, they need more heat on quarterbacks. Kyle Shanahan has plans for guys like Mike Hill Williams on passing downs, but not everyone fits inside. Fans and analysts push back on a first round Lyman because of that defensive gap, arguing it held the team back big time. Still, the regime sticks to filling holes now, and Williams' extension doesn't block adding a left guard successor or backup. Starting at the board, Edge rushes around 27, are mostly second round projections.

1:01Clemson's TJ Parker sits at 29, while others like Cassius Howe, Zion Young, and Malachi Lawrence rank in the 30s. That makes trading down tempting for better value. If they slide back, they need a willing partner to move up, or they could just stay put for that 5th year option on whoever they take. Either way, expect the Niners to prioritize what gets them wins right away. Ask your NFL News Today update, AI-powered and always on.