49ers Mock Draft 2023: All 11 Draft Picks

Remember, the 49ers currently do not have any picks in Rounds 1 or 2.

Here are the picks I think the 49ers will make in the upcoming draft, which starts this Thurdsay and ends on Saturday. Remember, the 49ers currently do not have any picks in Rounds 1 or 2.

Round 3, Pick 99: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State

Measurables: 6-5, 254 lbs., 4.63 40-yard dash.

DraftTek ranking: No. 90. CBS ranking: No. 98. NFL.com projection: Round 3.

Analysis: George Kittle is a 29-year-old third option on a run first-team who costs the 49ers more than $18 million per season against the salary cap. And soon, Brandon Aiyuk will surpass him in the 49ers offensive pecking order, meaning Kittle will become an extremely expensive, aging fourth option. So the 49ers could trade him next year and create almost $10 million in cap space. To do that, they'll need to draft the best tight end available this year and develop him, because no rookie can fill Kittle's shoes. Kraft would be a good heir apparent, because Kraft is an excellent blocker who's fast and difficult to tackle, like Kittle. The 49ers might have to trade up a few spots to get Kraft, but they have plenty of picks to do so.

Round 3, Pick 101: Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama

Measurables: 6-6, 321 lbs., 4.50 20-yard shuttle (didn't run a 40).

DraftTek ranking: No. 133. CBS Ranking: No. 188. NFL.com projection: Rounds 3-4.

Analysis: Steen is a big, strong offensive tackle who played on the right and the left in college but would play only on the right for the 49ers. He's much heavier and stronger than former 49ers right tackle Mike McGlinchey, but also is athletic and fluid in space. Plus, Steen allowed just two sacks last season. He conceivably could start immediately at right tackle, or at least compete for the job.

Round 3, Pick 102: Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane

Measurables: 6-1, 228 lbs., 4.49 40-yard dash.

DraftTek ranking: No. 135. CBS ranking: No. 110. NFL.com projection: Rounds 3-4.

Analysis: The 49ers value pass coverage more than run defense when it comes to linebackers, and they play lots of quarters zone coverage, which means four deep defensive backs and three linebackers underneath. And those three linebackers must cover tons of ground, so they have to be fast. Williams is one of the fastest linebackers in the draft and he excels in coverage. He could start right away in place of Azeez Al-Shaair, who signed with the Tennessee Titans this offseason.

Round 5, Pick 155: Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford

Measurables: 6-0, 191 lbs., 4.52 40-yard dash.

DraftTek ranking: No. 151. CBS ranking: No. 128. NFL.com projection: Rounds 4-5.

The 49ers might have to trade up a few spots for Kelly, who fits what new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks wants to do in pass coverage. Remember, Wilks wants to play zone defense, and he's the guy who drafted and developed Josh Norman, who was roughly the same size as Kelly. Wilks also probably encouraged the 49ers this offseason to sign Isaiah Oliver, who's similar to Kelly.

Round 5, Pick 165: Jalen Moreno-Cropper, WR, Fresno State

Measurables: 5-11, 172 lbs., 4.40 40-yard dash.

DraftTek ranking: No. 165. CBS ranking: No. 155. NFL.com projection: Round 6.

Analysis: Ray-Ray McCloud will be a free agent next year, so the 49ers could use another gadget receiver who returns kicks, and that's Moreno-Cropper. He's quick enough to line up in the slot, fast enough to line up outside, plus he can line up in the backfield and play running back, he can go in motion and run jet sweeps, and he even can throw. He tossed two touchdown passes in college. He's the kind of player the 49ers would get the most out of.

Round 5, Pick 173: Jason Taylor II, S, Oklahoma State

Measurables: 6-0, 204 lbs., 4.50 40-yard dash.

DraftTek ranking: No. 166. CBS ranking: No. 315. NFL.com projection: Round 4.

Analysis: Tashaun Gipson will be a free agent next year, so the 49ers could use another ball-hawk safety, and that's Taylor. He intercepted six passes in 13 starts last season.

Round 6, Pick 216: Scott Matlock, DT, Boise State

Measurables: 6-4, 296 lbs., 4.98 40-yard dash.

DraftTek ranking: No. 277. CBS ranking: No. 222. NFL.com projection: Round 6.

Analysis: The 49ers could trade Arik Armstead next year, because he'll be 31 and he'll cost them more than $25 million against the cap in 2024. If they trade him next offseason, they'll save more than $11 million in cap space. Which means the 49ers could want another defensive tackle, and Matlock is an excellent athlete who excels against the run.

Round 7, Pick 222: Chris Rodgriguez Jr., RB, Kentucky

Measurables: 6-0, 217 lbs., 4.52 40-yard dash.

DraftTek ranking: No. 229. CBS ranking: No. 318. NFL.com projection: Round 6.

Analysis: The 49ers want a big, fast, physical running back, meaning one who weighs roughly 220 pounds and runs a 4.5 40-yard dash -- that's why they drafted Ty Davis-Price last season. But he averaged only 2.9 yards per carry and might not make the roster this year. So the 49ers take Rodriguez in case Davis-Price doesn't work out. Rodriguez's offensive coordinator last season was Rich Scangarello, who used to coach for the 49ers, which means Rodriguez knows their scheme and fits their system.

Round 7, Pick 247: Alex Forsyth, C/G, Oregon

Measurables: 6-4, 303 lbs.

DraftTek ranking: No. 320. CBS ranking: No. 269. NFL.com projection: Priority free agent.

Analysis: The 49ers could use a center to stash and develop on the practice squad. Forsyth has three years of starting experience at center, plus he has played guard and tackle as well.

Round 7, Pick 253: Jake Moody, K, Michigan

DraftTek ranking: No. 257. CBS ranking: No. 316.

Analysis: The 49ers signed Zane Gonzalez, but he has gotten injured in warmups multiple times -- he's not reliable. Moody is the top-rated kicker in this draft.

Round 7, Pick 255: Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia

Measurables: 5-11, 192 lbs., 4.67 40-yard dash.

DraftTek ranking: No. 251. CBS ranking: No. 294. NFL.com projection: Rounds 5-6.

Analysis: The 49ers could use an experienced quarterback to stash on the practice squad who's ready to play just in case all of their quarterbacks get injured like last year, and that's Bennett. He threw 924 passes in college, won the National Title and has the ability to throw while rolling left or right -- an ability the 49ers covet. Think Brock Purdy. Bennett is similar to him, only older -- Bennett will turn 26 during his rookie season. That's a big reason he'll be available this late in the draft.