2019 NFL Draft: KC Kingdom First Round Mock Draft

2018 NFL Draft: KC Kingdom Mock Draft

Round 1: Pick 3 – San Francisco 49ers (Cullen Jekel)

By moving back one spot in the first round, the 49ers move up 36 spots from 104 (in the fourth) to 68 (in the third). Even then, San Francisco lands a top edge-rusher in Kentucky’s Josh Allen to pair up with Dee Ford along the team’s newly revamped defensive line.

With the trade, the 49ers now own back-to-back picks (67 and 68) in the third round in addition to a high second-round pick, number 36. A franchise can go a long way with four selections in the top 68 picks, and starting with Allen is a solid move.

Selecting Allen would also allow players like Solomon Thomas, DeForest Buckner, and Arik Armstead to play more along the interior. Combine that front with a linebacker corps now headed by Kwon Alexander, and the 49ers defense now looks poised to be able to create chaos against the likes of the Los Angeles Rams.

If Jimmy Garoppolo returns to form and gets the offense back on track, depending on what general manager John Lynch manages with his next three picks, San Francisco could be a legitimate threat in the NFC West.

Staff Reaction: The 49ers did well here. Not only did they gain a third round pick by trading back with the Jets, but they still landed an absolute stud in Josh Allen. He’ll instantly play a role in the Niners defense. – Leigh