San Francisco 49ers Draft Grades
How did the Niners do in the 2021 NFL Draft? Let’s give the San Francisco 49ers draft grades for every pick they made.
Round 1 (No.3 Overall) QB, Trey Lance
Sooo….the Niners traded how many firsts for this pick? Is the North Dakota State quarterback really worth all that? So if I understand correctly he played 10 combined high school Varsity games, and followed that up with 19 total college games. This pick is all on potential, hopefully for the 49er faithful Lynch and company are correct. They paid a steep price to draft a relatively unproven project player. Don’t shoot me, but I just don’t like it. I’m not a huge fan of Fields, but I thought Shanahan could make Fields a day one star. Lance has the physical tools, arm strength, accuracy, athleticism and he’s a play maker. I just wish he’d done it more against top talent. This isn’t saying he doesn’t have potential, I just don’t like the price paid to take a risk. As someone who grew up watching Steve Young and Jerry Rice, (my first ever jersey) I pray I am wrong. I wish they stayed at 12 at even if they liked him that much, maybe they could have gotten him later, we will never know. Grade B-
Round 2 (No.48) OG, Aaron Banks
The Notre Dame guard wasn’t my top option on the board here. I don’t mind them taking a guard to solidify the o line, but was Banks the right guy? He is a big powerful player with a nice resume, but I don’t see him being as athletic as the wide zone scheme the Niners run calls for. One position this front office hasn’t done a good job of drafting is interior lineman. Banks looks like a reach here. Grade C-
Round 3 (No.88) RB, Trey Sermon
Sermon has some ability as a one cut runner, but he lacks the break away speed the 49ers covet in their running backs. I understand wanting a player that will be on the roster for more than one season, but this was too early for a RB for me. Especially given they traded two fourths to move up and get him. There were backs I really liked in the San Francisco system they could have taken later. Grade C
Round 3 (No.102) CB, Ambry Thomas
Okay 49ers fans rejoice! I love this pick. I had been keeping a close eye on Thomas throughout the 2021 NFL Draft Process and had we started the site a week sooner, I would have had enough time to write a spotlight on him. Thomas has good size, speed, athleticism, and plays tough at the line. I love his fit in the 49ers defensive scheme. He should contribute on special teams immediately and challenge Moseley sooner than anticipated. He also adds value in the return game. Grade A-
Round 5 (No.155) OT, Jaylon Moore
The tackle out of Western Michigan had caught the eye of many scouts as a late round developmental prospect, and for good reason. Moore has good athleticism for a zone scheme, and quick lateral movement for a 6’5” 310 pounder. There has been a lot of noise that current tackle Mike McGlinchey may not be around long in San Francisco. He was mentioned in trade rumors pre 2021 NFL Draft. Moore has a high ceiling with proper coaching and development. Who could be better to learn from than Trent Williams? Grade B+
Round 5 (No.172) CB, Deommodore Lenoir
First off, how do we say his name? At the University of Oregon, Lenoir was a solid contributor all four years. He was a solid corner who may lack a little as an athlete, but he plays smart and can play zone well without getting beat over the top. He may give up some catches, but they are short and underneath. I like him as a good fit to replace K’Waun Williams in the slot. He needs some development, but it’s there.
Grade B
Round 5 (No.180) S, Talanoa Hufanga
Talanoa won the PAC 12 Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year at USC in 2020. He recorded 62 tackles and 4 INTs in only 6 games. How he is still available this late is a real question, but one we can answer. If not for injury concerns (shoulder) he would have been off the board on Day 2 if you ask me. The 49ers have struggled to keep safeties healthy, but if he can do just that he may be one of the big steals of this 2021 NFL Draft.
Grade A+
Round 5 (No.194) RB, Elijah Mitchell
I actually like the value of this running back more than I did the early round selection of the bigger name Sermon. Mitchell fits what the Niners like to do. He ran a 4.33 40 at his pro day, so he provides the game breaking speed similar to Mostert, but he is also a more reliable pass catcher than Sermon. He will struggle to make the roster with an already crowded RB room, but if he does I wouldn’t be surprised to see him jump Sermon in playing time. In the end, I don’t think it matters who the 49ers take on offense as I truly love what Shanahan does to make all of his players excel. Grade A
Overall Grade B
