49ers: Who should the team target with the 13th overall pick?

49ers (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

The San Francisco 49ers recently traded DeFrorest Buckner for the 13th overall pick in the 2020 draft. Here are the prospects that the team should target.

Despite having a relatively small amount of available cap space, theSan Francisco 49erswere able to make a major splash during the free agency signing period. Rather than signing a top player, this transaction came via a blockbuster trade.

The 49ers made the shocking moveto trade star defensive tackleDeForest Bucknerto the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for the 13th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

While this move puts the team in a position where they must adjust to life without a former Pro Bowler and team captain, it did save San Francisco from having to pay a hefty price tag to retain their star.

Bucknerreportedly signeda five-year contract worth $21 million per season upon his arrival in Indianapolis.

While there is a discussion to be had about how the franchise will replace Buckner’s presence in the middle of the defensive line, there is a much more interesting aspect to this deal.

What will the team do with the 13th pick? Here are some worthwhile options.

Quarterback

This is the boldest and unlikely use of the draft pick. But hear me out. Irecently wrotean article about why the 49ers would be wise to use theTom Bradytransition to allowKyle Shanahanto start fresh at the quarterback position.

This would involve shopping incumbent starterJimmy Garoppolovia trade (potentially to a QB needy team like the New England Patriots) in order to move away from his large contract.

In turn, the team could then turn their attention to adding a young, inexpensive, signal-caller for Shanahan to work his magic with.

Sitting at pick No. 31 felt like an awkward space for this type of move. However, the newly acquired 13th pick would allow the team to have a legitimate chance at top prospects likeJustin HerbertorJordan Love.

Shanahan turnedMatt Ryaninto an MVP and got to a Super Bowl with Garoppolo. Imagine what he could do with the opportunity to build an offense around an elite prospect. And imagine the roster he andJohn Lynchcould build with all that available cap space.

I truly believe this would be the team’s best move.

Wide Receiver

Now, back to the land of likely outcomes.

San Francisco could certainly benefit from bolstering their core of receivers. The team currently has one of the most dangerous weapons in football in All-Pro tight endGeorge Kittle.

They also have a budding star inDeebo Samuel. However, the offense could be drastically improved by adding another top pass-catcher outside the hash marks.

Game-changing options such as Alabama starsJerry JeudyandHenry Ruggs III, as well as Oklahoma’sCeeDee Lambcould all be options at pick No. 13.

Cornerback

The 49ers would also greatly benefit from adding another top defensive back to play alongsideRichard Sherman. It is difficult to imagine that consensus No. 1 cornerJeffrey Okudahwould fall as far as the 13th pick (he isprojected to be selected as high as third overall).

But it’s not out of the realm of possibility.

Other options include players likeC.J. Hendersonout of Florida,Damon Arnetteof Ohio State, orTrevon Diggsof Alabama. While each of these players is a highly regarded prospect, each has beengiven a first-to-second round grade.

If San Francisco has their heart set on adding a cornerback, their best option would likely be to wait to see if any of this trio is available at pick No. 31.

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Defensive Line

It could be possible that the team elects to use their newly-acquired capital to select Buckner’s replacement. Doing so could allow the Niners to find similar production from a much younger and less expensive player.

South Carolina’sJavon Kinlawwould be a great fit with the 13th pick. He has amazing quickness and upper body strength that should allow him to generate a Buckner-like pass rush up the middle.

Derrick BrownandA.J. Epenesawould also be good options.

Trade Down

It is also worth noting that the 49ers currently have an extremely top-heavy collection of draft picks. While they hold two sections on Day 1, they are void of a presence in the second, third, or fourth rounds.

If Lynch and Shanahan don’t love their options when they go on the clock, there is a real possibility that they could trade down to acquire a bigger collection of draft capital.

Which players would you like to see the 49ers target with their top two picks?

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