Mock Draft 4.0: 49ers address interior D-line early

Things will change as the rest of free agency plays out. However, this mock draft tries to address the San Francisco 49ers' key needs and doesn't rely heavily on the moves that have already been made this week—just yet.

This mock draft was created without heavily factoring in the trade for defensive tackle Maliek Collins, so it still includes 11 selections. Another mock draft reflecting the most recent roster changes is coming soon.

Round 1, Pick 31
DT Byron Murphy II, Texas

Although the 49ers addressed the defensive tackle position in free agency, Byron Murphy II may be the best player at the 31. Murphy II's quick burst and get-off makes him one of the most dangerous defensive tackles in the draft. He will impact the defense on day one or be used as a situational piece on pass rush downs. Murphy II is 6'1", 297 lbs, with 32 3/8" arms and 10 1/2" hands. He ran a 4.87 in the 40-yard dash with a 1.69 ten-yard split.

In 2023, per Pro Football Focus (PFF), his stats included 373 snaps, 36 pressures (six sacks, three hits, and 27 hurries), and 16 tackles with 17 stops. Don't let his small stature fool you; Murphy II packs explosiveness and power on every snap.

Round 2, Pick 63
LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M

If the 49ers can get one of the best linebackers out of college, then it's a no-brainer. Cooper is 6'2", 230 lbs with 34" arms and 9 3/4" hands. He ran a 4.51 with a 1.54 10-yard split. His vertical was 34.5" with a 9'10" broad jump at the NFL Combine. Cooper is excellent at shedding blocks and stopping the run. He's one of the most physical linebackers in the draft, packed with speed.

In 2023, Cooper's PFF stats included 609 snaps, 27 Pressures (five sacks, ten hits, and 12 hurries), 75 tackles, 56 stops, two forced fumbles, allowed 14 receptions on 16 targets, and two pass breakups. It may not be the norm for the 49ers to draft a linebacker in round two, but if Edgerrin Cooper is there, he will make an excellent addition to the linebacker's room.

Round 3, Pick 94
OT Roger Rosengarten, Washington

There will be tons of great offensive linemen available in the upcoming draft. Since the 49ers extended offensive tackle Colton McKivitz another season, the team isn't pressured to draft a tackle on day one. A day-two tackle that could benefit the 49ers is Roger Rosengarten out of Washington. Washington is 6'5", 308 lbs, with 33 1/2" arms and 9 5/8" hands. Rosengarten ran a 4.92 (number 1 of OL) with a 1.73 10-yard split at the NFL combine. Rosengarten is smart, fluid, and athletic and could start week one if needed.

In 2023, Rosengarten's stats, per PFF, included 762 snaps (right tackle) and allowed eight pressures (two hits and six hurries). He does struggle to get to the second level as a run blocker, but he could benefit from red-shirting in year one and become a starter in year two.

Round 4, Pick 123
CB Cam Hart, Notre Dame

The cornerback class is deep in the 2024 NFL Draft. The 49ers could address the cornerback's position more than once. Hart has the perfect blend of size and athleticism. He's more of a press-man corner who likes to get physical at the line of scrimmage. Hart is 6'3", 202 lbs with 33" arms, 9 3/8" hands, and a 77 3/4" wingspan.

In 2023, Hart's stats, per PFF, included 572 snaps, 20 tackles, six stops, and two forced fumbles. He was targeted 28 times and allowed 15 receptions (53.5%) with two pass breakups. Even though Hart doesn't have eye-popping stats, his ability to play press-man is uncanny.

Hart ran a 4.5 40-yard dash with a 1.57 ten-yard split. He also jumped 39.5" vertical and 10'12" in the broad jump. Hart's three-cone drill was 7.12 seconds and ran a 4.22 in the 20-yard shuttle. His size and physicality would be an excellent addition to the 49ers cornerback's room.

Round 4, Pick 130
OL Brandon Coleman, TCU

It's time to change the identity of the offensive line. Chris Foerster needs to get some mean mugs up front. Brandon Coleman is out of TCU, which is just that. Coleman is 6'4 1/2" tall and weighs 313 lbs. Coleman has 34 5/8" arms and 10 3/4" Hands. He was the team captain and started for three seasons. He will struggle occasionally in a change of direction, but he can run through contact and get to the second level. Coleman ran a 4.99 with a 1.73 ten-yard split at the NFL Scouting Combine.

According to PFF, Coleman's 2023 stats included 720 snaps (465 LT and 255 LG) and allowed 20 pressures (three hits and 17 hurries). The good thing about Coleman is that he played all over the offensive line from the left side to the right side. His experience, leadership, and versatility make him stand out among the elite.

Round 4, Pick 133
WR Brenden Rice, USC

Will the 49ers get a legacy player, the son of Jerry Rice, and one of the best wide receivers who can split defenders and get open down the field? Rice is 6'2", 208 lbs with 33" arms and 9 5/8" hands. He has a 36.5" vertical and a 9'11" broad jump. Rice ran a 4.5 with a 1.55 10-yard split. He may not be the fastest receiver in the draft, but he's quick and can get open.

Per PFF, Rice's 2023 stats included 70 targets, 45 receptions, 791 yards, and 12 touchdowns. Rice averaged 17.6 yards per reception. Rice was utilized all over the field and was targeted 44.3% of the time on play from 0-9 yards. Rice was 21-31 (67%) on plays from 0-9 yards with four touchdowns. Brenden Rice is not a one-trick pony.

Round 5, Pick 176
RB Isaac Guerendo, Louisville

The 49ers have a good running back's room, with the NFL's leading rusher, Christian McCaffrey. The one element missing from that room is speed. Issac Guerendo is the fastest running back in the NFL draft. He ran a 4.33 with a 1.55 10-yard split. Guerendo's three-cone drill was a 6.94, and he ran a 4.15 in the 20-yard shuttle. Issac Guerendo is 6'0", 221 lbs, with 30 3/4" arms and 9 1/4" hands. Guerendo is fast and can catch out of the backfield.

In 2023, his stats included 639 yards, 105 attempts, 6.1 yards per average, 17 explosive runs, and eight touchdowns. He caught 17 receptions on 19 targets (89.5%) for 122 yards, averaging 11.3 yards per reception.

The 49ers were much better at outside zone running when they had the speed backs. Isaac Guerendo could be the element the 49ers are missing on offense.

Round 6, Pick 211
TE Tanner McLachlan, Arizona

In 2023, McLachlan caught 42 receptions on 51 targets (82.4%) for 502 yards and four touchdowns. He's an average blocker but needs more work on his run blocking. Since the 49ers lost TE Charlie Woerner in free agency (Falcons), they should look to draft this pass-catching weapon.

McLachlan is 6'5", 244 lbs with 31 5/8" arms and 9 3/8" hands. He has a 35" vertical and a 9'9" broad jump. McLachlan ran a 4.61 (tied for 3rd among Tight Ends) with a 1.58 ten-yard split. McLachlan would be a big target for Brock Purdy and potentially be a mismatch for defenses downfield.

Round 6, Pick 215
S Demani Richardson, Mississippi State

Demani Richardson is 6' 1/2" and weighs 210 lbs. He has 32" arms and 9 7/8" hands. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he ran a 4.6 with a 1. 54 ten-yard split. Richardson has the frame to cover tight ends very well.

Richardson's 2023 stats, per PFF, included 695 snaps, eight pressures (two sacks, three hits, and three hurries), 55 tackles, 13 stops, and one forced fumble. In coverage, Richardson allowed 17 receptions on 25 targets (68.0%) for 267 yards, with one pass breakup. Demani Richardson is versatile and could be an excellent addition to the Safety Core.

Round 7, Pick 232
DE Gabriel Murphy, UCLA

It would steal the draft if the 49ers could get Gabriel Murphy defensive in the seventh round. Murphy is 6'2", 247 lbs, with 30 1/2" arms and 9 1/4" hands. His size is his biggest downfall, but he is skilled in the pass rush department. Murphy tested through the roof at the NFL Scouting Combine. He ran a 4.68 with a 1.59 ten-yard split, a 39.5" vertical, and a 10'3" broad jump.

In 2023, Murphy's stats included 527 snaps, 55 pressures (seven sacks, 12 hits, and 36 hurries), one batted pass, 27 tackles, and 23 stops. Murphy can shed his blocker and get to the quarterback with his moves and superb technique. Even though the 49ers replenished the edge rushers in free agency, Gabriel Murphy would be a solid addition to the rotation.

Round 7, Pick 251
C Kingsley Eguakun, Florida

The 49ers rarely draft centers. In this case, Florida Center Kingsley Eguakun would be an excellent player to develop with the team. Eguakun had a wonderful week at the Senior Bowl and stood out amongst the centers. Eguakun is the most athletic center. He's 6'3 1/2" tall and weighs 304 lbs, with 32 1/2" arms and 10 1/8" hands. His hands are quick when firing off the snap, allowing him to reach his target immediately.

He only played in four games in 2023 with 145 snaps and allowed six pressures (one sack, three hits, and two hurries). Florida ran a zone run scheme for 67.3% of their plays. He's a bit raw but fits the zone scheme the 49ers like to run. If the 49ers want to develop a future center, Kingsley Eguakun could be their guy.

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The 49ers used free agency to fill in their holes, leaving them with no blaring needs. They want to use this draft to build for the future. They currently have ten picks, so expect that change in mock draft 5.0. The 49ers could continue to make trades pre-draft. Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and I look forward to Mock Draft 5.0.

• Written by:
  Wayne P. Brown
  Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
  All articles by Wayne P. Brown
  @TheWayneBreezie