The 49ers did a solid job improving their defensive line and wide receiver rooms in free agency.
That allows them to approach the draft with a wide-open mindset, where the best player available at multiple positions will dictate the picks they make on the first two days.
Whether it’s in the first round or the third, they can be patient and selective and play the board to the best of their ability.
That means they don’t need to be urgent at any one particular position, which is always a great place to be.
Here is how we see the first three rounds playing out for the 49ers:
First round, No. 27
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
The 49ers could look to beef up their offensive line here. They need a long-range replacement for left tackle Trent Williams and could use help on the right side as well. But short of one of the upper-echelon prospects falling to them, they can likely wait until later in the draft to find someone of equivalent talent to whom they would pick up at No. 27.
Defensive line and creating more pass rush could also be a focus here. But the 49ers’ trade for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa helped that area.
On the other hand, while they added veteran wide receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, those are short-term solutions for a long-term need.
Peeking ahead, the 49ers need more weapons. And Cooper Jr. represents the potential for high-end production in several ways. He’s the perfect piece for a Kyle Shanahan offense and will likely pop on Day 1.
The former Indiana star is one of the fastest climbers in the draft, so there’s a chance he won’t even be available when the 49ers execute their first pick.
But if he is, they’ll jump at the chance to reel him in.
Second round, No. 58
AJ Haulcy, S, LSU
If the 49ers decide to pursue an offensive lineman at this point in the draft, Kansas’ Sam Hecht, Boise State’s Kage Casey and Iowa’s Gennings Dunker could all be options.
If the focus is the defensive line, keep an eye on Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell, Central Florida’s Malachi Lawrence, Oklahoma’s Mason Thomas and Penn State’s Dani Dennis-Sutton.
If they don’t draft a wide receiver in the first round, they could look at Clemson’s Antonio Williams, Notre Dame’s Malachi Fields, Georgia’s Zachariah Branch or Oklahoma’s Deion Burks.
That said, with Cooper Jr. already in the fold, the 49ers understand the help they need in the secondary, with the focus being competition and depth in the cornerback room and upgrading at safety.
Haulcy’s nickname is Mr. Give Me That, which pretty much tells you all you need to know about a tough, physical, feisty prospect whose play style fits in any era.
Over the last two years, he registered eight interceptions and 12 pass breakups, a clear indication of his processing intelligence and ball-hawking skills.
He also projects as a Day 1 starter, which represents great value for this stage of the draft.
Third round, no selection
The 49ers originally held the No. 92 pick, but they traded it to the Cowboys for Odighizuwa.
