[2023] San Fransisco 49ers Draft Recap

[Dr_Novella]

Santa Clara, CA-

With the dust settled, The Niners leadership that took over last year has completed its first draft.  With excitement in the air, lets take a look at the 2023 49er Draft Class!

 

Round 1, Pick #3 - OT Rubby Stewart, Kentucky, OVR/POT: A+/B+

2022 in review:  803 snaps, 12 pancakes, 2 sacks allowed

Among the various problems the Niners faced in 2022, one of the more glaring issues was the O-line. As such, with the 3rd overall pick, the 49ers went ahead and selected the best o-line talent in the draft in Rubby Stewart. Possessing talent in both run, and pass blocking, Stewart stands to be a day one starter on the line, There is of course, worries about his potential for injuries. But for a man with his physical skill set, its a risk that's well worth taking.

 

Round 1, Pick #13 - WR Fernando Thomas, Tulane, OVR/POT: B+/A

2022 in review: 138 rec for 2840 yards and 19 tds.

On the other side of fixing the offense came a need to get second year QB Russell Latimer some weapons. The Niners answered by trading with the Dolphins to get back into the first round and selecting one of the most productive WRs of this class. Thomas dominated in the two years spent with Tulane, and the hope is obviously that he eventually becomes a true #1 receiver for San Fransisco. Though its likely he will spend his rookie year as a second or third target as they wait to see if he can fulfill that potential.

 

Round Three, Pick #67 - TE Joe Clemens, Akron, OVR/POT: C/A-

2022 in review: 48 catches for 582 yards and 6 TDs

With the third round pick, San Fransisco went with potential more than anything else. While there were arguably better immediate options at TE, the hope is that Clemens can learn under Quan and develop into a future, and overall better, starter over time.

 

Round Four, Pick #99 - DT Jordan Burris, South Alabama, OVR/POT: B-/A

2022 in review: 56 tkl, 20 TFL, 3.5 Sacks

There are rumors out there that Owner Dr_Novella had been asleep when this pick came in and was only saved by a random intern who picked BPA. This of course, is a white faced lie.

But, assuming it's not, with such a deep DT class, Burris still holds a lot of potential value for the team. DT was not a position of need for San Fran, but Burris is a strong Nose Tackle who could develop overtime into a potential replacement. One can never be too careful in the NFL after all.

 

Round Four, Pick #128 - P Ben Cole, CHAR, OVR/POT: C-/B+

2022 in review: 98 punts, 43 inside the 20

San Fransisco needed a punter, as in, they didn't have anyone to punt on the roster. So what better way to fix that then to take the best Punter in the draft (for what little that is worth) on a rookie contract.

 

Round Five, Pick #155 - SS Chris Igwebuike, SJSU, OVR/POT: C-/A

2022 in review: 61 tkl, 5 TFL, 6 INT, 1 RF TD

Igwebuike may be a bit of a homer pick, but if anyone knows what the young safety can do, it's SJSU Coach Dr_Novella who saw him lead the team in interceptions. With high potential and familiarity with leadership, he could become a solid piece in the backfield within a few years.

 

Round 6, Pick #163 - C Jim Turley, Washington, OVR/POT: B-/B-

2022 in review: 938 snaps, 1 pancake, 1 sack allowed

The last pick of the Niners draft ended up being a project player in Jim Turley. He's got the talent, its just a matter of getting it all together while he backs up the current starter.

[SageBow]

Jim Turley in the 6th round is insane value. Good draft

[subsequent]

1 minute ago, SageBow said:

Jim Turley in the 6th round is insane value. Good draft

a-flippin-greed.

[Bingo415]

Fantastic draft, maybe the top draft overall with regard to immediate talent infusion + long-term dev possibility. Love the Fernando Thomas pick at that point - dude is gonna be real good. Your late round stuff was excellent.