Analysis: Players The 49ers May Target Late In 2013 Draft
SAN FRANCISCO (Bleacher Report) -- The San Francisco 49ers are poised to have one of the most dynamic drafts in the NFL this year.
Following the March 12 trading of quarterback Alex Smith to the Kansas City Chiefs, the 49ers boasted 15 total draft picks, one of which was then traded to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for wide receiver Anquan Boldin. San Francisco then solved its backup quarterback dilemma by trading a fifth- and seventh-round pick to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Colt McCoy and a sixth-round pick.
That leaves San Francisco with 13 picks going into the 2013 NFL draft.
The 49ers are talented enough not to need all 13 picks. There are simply not enough holes to fill or upgrades needed to warrant a deep San Francisco draft class.
Instead, there is plenty of speculation that the 49ers will trade some of their picks to move up in the draft as they see fit. With all of those picks, San Francisco is in perfect position to "shake things up" like never before.
The 49ers must address some needs in the draft. The loss of safety Dashon Goldson, defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga and tight end Delanie Walker are considerable. San Francisco may also be looking to broaden the depth at the wide receiver position, considering how injuries took a toll last year. They also may be looking for upgrades at cornerback.
CBS Sports' Rob Rang has the 49ers selecting LSU free safety Eric Reid with their first-round pick while CBS Sports' Dane Brugler has them drafting Alabama defensive tackle Jesse Williams. Both would address immediate needs in San Francisco. The 49ers also currently have two picks to use in the second round, perhaps to address needs at the wide receiver, tight end or cornerback positions.
While the first and second rounds of the draft create plenty of buzz and attention, the later rounds could also present proverbial "diamonds in the rough" for San Francisco. The 49ers would obviously love to be able to use their plethora of late-round picks to trade up higher in the draft, yet they still may be compelled to use their picks as slated, examining and drafting talent to suit their needs and depth.
CLICK HERE for five potential late-round prospects San Francisco may be targeting on draft day.
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