49ers’ Shocking Mock Draft Picks: A Bold New Direction or a Massive Mistake?

Mock drafts are all about speculation—there are no wrong answers. But if the San Francisco 49ers execute their actual draft the way they do in a two-round projection from Draft Wire, it would signal a massive shift in their long-standing draft philosophy. And frankly, it would raise some serious red flags about the team’s long-term vision.

A Safety at No. 11? 49ers Take Nick Emmanwori

With their first-round pick (No. 11 overall), the 49ers select University of South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori—a 6-3, 220-pound defensive back with elite athletic traits. He stunned scouts at the NFL Combine, clocking a 4.38-second 40-yard dash while posting a 43-inch vertical and 11-foot-6 broad jump.

There’s no denying his athleticism is off the charts, but here’s the problem: Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch have never prioritized the safety position early in the draft. The earliest they’ve taken one was in 2023 when they selected Ji’Ayir Brown (third round, Penn State).

The real shocker? The 49ers pass on Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou, who could have been a long-term answer at right tackle with the upside to replace Trent Williams down the road. If Membou is available and the 49ers take a safety instead? That’s a head-scratcher.

Second-Round Gamble: Tyler Booker Over a Star Pass Rusher?

The surprises don’t stop there. In the second round, San Francisco selects Alabama interior offensive lineman Tyler Booker—a 6-5, 321-pound mauler who plays a position the 49ers already have affordable solutions for.

Booker is talented, but his athletic profile doesn’t exactly fit what the 49ers look for in their guards. Plus, it’s tough to justify using a high second-round pick on an interior lineman when there are other glaring needs—especially when Ohio State defensive end JT Tuimoloau is still on the board.

Tuimoloau has the size, length, and athleticism to play multiple positions on the defensive line—a major area of need for the 49ers. If San Francisco passes on a defensive game-changer for a player who isn’t even projected to start immediately, it would be baffling.

Good Prospects, Questionable Strategy

Look, Nick Emmanwori and Tyler Booker are good players. If they’re the best available, then drafting them isn’t necessarily a disaster. But considering the other elite talent available, these picks would feel like a miss on the 49ers’ biggest needs and a departure from their usual roster-building philosophy.