49ers Prepared For Draft Week

The 2020 NFL draft is fast approaching and bringing potential big changes for the 49ers lineup. San Francisco is looking to maintain its NFC Championship team as much as possible while being flexible. For them, securing key players on both sides of the line will be critical.

49ers GM John Lynch shared a picture of his “at-home war room”, in preparation for this year’s unorthodox yet necessary online draft.

My at-home war room is almost like I’m at the @SAPSports Performance Facility. Thanks to our IT and video teams + our scouts and coaches we’re ready for the #NFLDraft this week. #IGYB pic.twitter.com/ytuZKY9Bk4

— John Lynch (@JohnLynch49ers) April 20, 2020

49ers Taking inventory

Going into the draft, filling the spots at wide receiver, corner, and safety remains the 49ers’ highest concern. On top of that, holding onto their championship team came with a price.

According to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was traded to the Indianapolis Colts for the 13th overall pick in the draft.

Buckner signed a four-year, $84 million contract with the Colts, allowing the 49ers to resign defensive ends Arik Armstead and Ronald Blair III, free safety Jimmie Ward and offensive lineman Ben Garland.

Also, wide receiver Emmanual Sanders set out in free agency to the New Orleans Saints, leaving a void in the offense.

For the 49ers, landing cost-effective picks will make or break the once championship-level team.

“This draft is absolutely huge for us,” Lynch said. “There’s no excuses, no explanations. We’ve got to get our work done, albeit from home … We will be ready for that draft.”

Targets of interest

As of now, San Francisco has options on the table with their 13th pick, able to fill a number of key spots. Some names to keep in mind include Alabama receivers Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III, as well as Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb.

Losing Buckner to the Saints put the 49ers’ defense in a difficult spot. His departure was a direct result of Lynch’s plan to keep the champions together. Right now, if the front office wants to use their 13th pick to replace him, they have Auburn’s Derrick Brown and South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw.

This year’s NFL draft will take place on Thu, Apr 23, 2020 – Sat, Apr 25, 2020.

Round 1 (8 p.m.)
Friday, April 24: Rounds 2-3 (7 p.m.)
Saturday, April 25: Rounds 4-7 (12 p.m.)