San Francisco 49ers boost defense with huge first-round steal in seven-round mock for 2024 NFL Draft

With less than one week to go, there are plenty of breadcrumbs that point to the direction in which the San Francisco 49ers may go in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The 49ers have wrapped up their top-30 visits, though a lack of clear-cut first-rounders on their list makes it tricky to project their selection on night one.

It helps, though, when the simulator throws you an absolute steal. Here's our latest 49ers mock draft.

Round 1, Pick 31: Johnny Newton, IDL, Illinois

The 49ers will be jumping for joy if Newton falls into their grasp with the penultimate pick of the first round, and it's not out of the question for a prospect who only had his pro day this week after recovering from foot surgery. The 49ers were in attendance at that pro day.

A premier pass rusher and run defender from the interior who wins with powerful and violent hands that he puts to great use with a well-refined pass rush repertoire, Newton can be a long-term starter at defensive tackle for the 49ers who could initially thrive in a more rotational role behind Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins.

Round 2, Pick 63: Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama

Another huge win for a franchise that loves to invest premium capital in the defensive side of the trenches.

The 49ers hosted a top-30 visit with Braswell, who fits what they look for on the edge in possessing an impressive get-off and the ability to translate speed to power. With an already strong stable of moves in his arsenal, Braswell would benefit hugely from the tutelage of Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd while operating as a designated pass rusher on true passing downs.

Round 3, Pick 80: Javon Baker, WR, UCF

After letting the board come to them, the 49ers trade up in the third round to improve their wide receiver corps with the addition of Baker.

The 49ers send their original third-rounder (94th overall) and the fourth-round pick they got in the Trey Lance trade (124th overall) to the Bengals to move up 14 spots.

In Baker, they land a nuanced route-runner who does a tremendous job of making highlight reel contested catches, a trait the Niners should value highly after seeing their receivers lose numerous battles at the catch point in Super Bowl 58.

Round 4, Pick 132: Cole Bishop, S, Utah

San Francisco has met with another Utah safety in the form of Sione Vaki but, in Bishop, they get the more explosive athlete with a track record of making plays all over the field.

Last season, Bishop had two interceptions, four pass breakups, and a forced fumble along with 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. Those numbers came a year after he finished 10th in the Pac-12 with 83 tackles. Bishop is a playmaker with the versatility to man the deep middle, the box, and the slot. For a team that needs depth at safety, this is an excellent pick at this point in the draft.

Round 4, Pick 135: Caedan Wallace, OT, Penn State

Finally, the offensive tackle you've all been waiting for, San Francisco addressing its biggest need on day three with a player with whom they held a top-30 visit.

A lack of arm length has some pegging Wallace as a guard at the next level, but his combination of a sturdy lower half, power in his hands, and athleticism that allows him to stay square with edge rushers and recover when they put him in the race gives him a good chance of succeeding at tackle at the next level.

A clear scheme fit for a zone-blocking team with what he can do in space in the run game, Wallace could not ask for a better spot to land than San Francisco. With the chance to learn from Trent Williams, Wallace would have a shot to blossom into the Niners' long-term starter at right tackle.

Round 5, Pick 176: Tip Reiman, TE, Illinois

As a pass-catcher, Reiman is a projection having only made 42 catches in his college career. Yet those receptions went for an average of 10.2 yards, and Reiman crushed his Combine workout, with his A to Z Sports athletic composite score of 92.2% the third-highest among tight ends. On top of that, Reiman was also smooth in the on-field drills, looking particularly composed in the gauntlet.

That points to untapped potential as a pass-catcher, which, when added to his consistently impressive and aggressive play in the blocking game, makes him an intriguing day-three prospect. San Francisco picked a Big Ten tight end with enticing athletic traits but limited production in the fifth round back in 2017, and that worked out pretty well.

Round 6, Pick 211: Elijah Jones, CB, Boston College

A long time to wait for a position that is seen as a key one of need despite the 49ers now having quite a lot of depth at corner.

Jones is an older prospect at 24 but hit his stride in his final season, recording five interceptions and allowing a completion rate of 32.5%, per Pro Football Focus.

Round 6, Pick 215: Trente Jones, OT, Michigan

A lack of experience and the desired build for either tackle or guard are the biggest knocks on Jones entering the draft, but turn on the tape from the teeth of Michigan's National Championship run and you see a prospect with the talent to be a steal at this point in the draft.

Extremely impressive in space in the run game, Jones blends efficient footwork, a wide base, and strong awareness to excel in pass protection. He has the potential to be a late-round dart throw that pays off big time with the positional flexibility to perhaps play inside and out at the next level.

Round 7, Pick 251: Frank Gore Jr, RB, Southern Miss

Ending the draft on a sentimental note. Niners legend Frank Gore Sr. works as a football advisor in the San Francisco front office, so what better way to cap things off than by having him make the pick of his son?

Gore Jr. shares many of the traits that made his father great, his tape that of a back who consistently squeaks through small running lanes and who continually bounces off tackles for extra yardage, showing impressive contact balance. Per PFF, Gore Jr's grade on zone runs was 89.6. A clear fit for the rushing scheme, it's only right to make him a Niner.