San Francisco 49ers Draft Analysis
49ers 2023 Draft Grades
The San Francisco 49ers had plenty of intrigue heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, and they certainly made some interesting picks along the way. From their first selection to their last, let’s take a look at each of the picks and grade them accordingly.
Rd. 3 Pick 87 Ji’Ayir Brown, S, Penn State
The 49ers had to wait for their first pick of the NFL Draft, but they made it a good one. Brown’s coverage capabilities and physicality make him an ideal fit for San Francisco’s hard-hitting defense. His unique ability to wreck plays makes him a top prospect and brings an influx of talent to the free safety position.
Grade: A-
Rd. 3 Pick 99 Jake Moody, K, Michigan
It’s easy to say this is too early to take a kicker, and I stand by that statement. However, the 49ers are knocking on the door of a Super Bowl run, if they believe that they had to have Moody to make that run, then so be it. I will say his accuracy and booming leg should make him at least a good NFL kicker.
Grade: C
Rd. 3 Pick 101 Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama
San Francisco has Cero Miedo when it comes to the tight end position with George Kittle already on the roster. But if they want a good passing game they need options besides Kittle, Deebo, and Aiyuk, especially with their injury histories. Latu is an imposing prospect with terrific speed and acceleration who can run crisp routes. He adds another weapon to the Niner’s pass-catching arsenal.
Grade: B
Rd. 5 Pick 155 Darrell Luter Jr. CB, South Alabama
Luter fills a need for the Niners’ secondary, leaving fans excited for the potential of his lockdown coverage. His length and quickness make him a perfect candidate for the team’s zone coverage scheme.
Grade: B+
Rd. 5 Pick 173 Robert Beal, Jr., DE, Georgia
Beal is a high-upside player with an impressive set of tools. He has the explosiveness and power to become a feared force on the edge if he can put it all together and live up to his potential. Beal is a bit of a tweener but has top-tier athleticism.
Grade: B+
Rd. 6 Pick 216 Dee Winters, ILB, TCU
Winters is a tackling machine and an excellent run-stopper. He also has the range to stay with tight ends. Winters is a violent tackler with great closing speed, making him a reliable option on the inside tackling in the gaps. Winters is another player with a high ceiling if developed correctly.
Grade: A-
Rd. 7 Pick 247 Brayden Willis, TE, Oklahoma
I get the Latu pick, but another tight end? It’s getting a little much here San Francisco. Willis is a big athletically gifted tight end who could be a nice sleeper. However, he’d be a much better sleeper prospect if he was on another team that didn’t have multiple tight ends set in their lineup. He’ll be fighting for the TE 3 spot on the team at best, it’s going to be hard for him to find opportunities.
Grade: C-
Rd. 7 Pick 253 Ronnie Bell, WR, Michigan
Bell doesn’t have a blazing 40 time at 4.54, but don’t let that fool you. He changes directions and accelerates quickly. He comes into the league with a solid route tree and good production of almost 900 yards last year. Also, his ACL looked like it was back to 100 percent last year. The Niners might have a real diamond in the rough here.
Grade: A
Rd. 7 Pick 255 Jalen Graham, OLB, Purdue
Graham is a bit undersized and not the greatest athlete, though not terrible by any means. He does have a non-stop motor and plays with a bit of reckless abandon. His high-energy play style could land him a spot on the 53-man roster as a special teamer while he tries to become a complete linebacker.
Grade: B-
Despite not starting the draft until day 3, the San Francisco 49ers put together a solid rookie class in 2023. The 49er faithful will be hoping that these picks add just that little bit needed so that they can move past the NFC Championship and onto the Super Bowl.
Overall Grade: B+
