Golden Nuggets: Here we go

Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Thursday, April 25th, 2024

Guide to Adam Peters’ drafting approach: What history shows about the Commanders GM (paywall)

“There are some names to track assuming Peters continues leaning on that GTFO rate.

LSU’s Mekhi Wingo paced all defensive tackles at the NFL Scouting Combine in the 10-yard split — 1.64 at 284 pounds. Brugler’s ninth-rated DT, Wingo, another team captain, had 7 1/2 sacks and 11 1/2 tackles for loss in 22 games — 20 starts — over his final two seasons with the Tigers. “His first-step quickness and shock in his hands often (give Wingo) early advantages,” Brugler wrote.

Colorado State defensive end Mohamed Kamara ranked third (1.58) in the 10-yard split behind projected first-round selections Chop Robinson and Dallas Turner, and just ahead of two “30” visit players, Chris Braswell and Jalyx Hunt. The 248-pound Kamara wowed with 13 sacks and 17 tackles for loss in 2023.

Wingo is projected among the first 70 to 95 picks, with Kamara in the Round 4-5 range.”

NFL seven-round mock draft: Maiocco predicts all 10 49ers picks

“There will already be a lot of offensive linemen off the board when the 49ers’ first pick rolls around, but this is not a selection that is based entirely off of need.

Morgan has the requisite skills to excel in the 49ers’ offense under the direction of line coach Chris Foerster. He has the athleticism and aggression required to carry out the duties in the run game.

The only question is whether he projects at guard or tackle for the long term. He started 37 games at left tackle in college. Morgan will be counted upon to be a long-term starter while getting an opportunity to work his way into the lineup from Day 1.”

Daniel Jeremiah’s final mock draft has 49ers adding another weapon for Brock Purdy

““This is my favorite fit in the first round,” Jeremiah explained. “We saw what Tank Dell did in a similar offensive system with Houston, and we know what Mike McDaniel has been able to build with so much speed at receiver in Miami. Worthy gives Kyle Shanahan a similar weapon.”

Although Worthy spoke with the 49ers at the NFL Scouting Combine, there have been no reports of subsequent meetings with the former Longhorn.

Worthy’s draft slotting could come down to draft-room debates weighing his elite speed versus his thin frame,” Lance Zierlein wrote in his NFL.com scouting report. “Worthy will find separation if allowed to explore vertically or across the hashes against man coverage, but he lacks play strength and release quickness to defeat a quality NFL press. His quick-strike potential adds an element of danger over the top and should open wider windows for teammates to work into.”

Why 49ers could use first pick on a wide receiver, even without a Brandon Aiyuk trade (paywall)

“If the 49ers don’t trade Aiyuk, there’s reason to believe they still could use their first pick on a wide receiver. This season, Samuel and Aiyuk, who is scheduled to play on his fifth-year option, are on the books to count nearly $43 million against the salary cap, a financial commitment the 49ers might view as not sustainable.

If they use the No. 31 pick on a potential heir apparent, two speedy Texas wideouts — Adonai Mitchell (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) and Xavier Worthy (5-11, 165) — could be available.”

Why the 2024 NFL draft is so important for 49ers’ future success and ability to afford it (paywall)

“Those financial commitments mean it could be difficult to retain their top 2025 free agents, a group that includes linebacker Dre Greenlaw and cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir. They are among the players the 49ers could have an eye on replacing when drafting this week.

“As many of our players as we’ve paid, you have to rely on rookie contracts,” Lynch said. “And so we need to infuse … we need some players to come out of this draft because they’re going to be playing next year and into the future. And that opportunity’s there.”

How trading up for Lance in 2021 draft ultimately didn’t derail 49ers

“[Purdy] also has changed how some view the art of quarterback evaluations. Many of the skills that have made him such a good player — such as timing, anticipation and accuracy — cannot be measured in the pre-draft process.”