San Francisco 49ers: Last-minute prediction of 2018 NFL Draft Big Board

The San Francisco 49ers have 30 first-round grades on prospects in this class, here we take a predictive look at who could be on John Lynch’s big board.

The San Francisco 49ers clearly like the 2018 NFL Draft class. General manager John Lynch said in his pre-draft press conference that the 49ers, per Joe Fann of 49ers.com, have 30 first-round grades on players in this draft.

That is a high number and, though it could be a smokescreen, makes it a little more difficult to predict in which direction they will go with then ninth overall pick.

But, with just minutes (at this point) to go until the draft, we took a last-minute shot at predicting what their board looks like.

The Top 5

1. Roquan Smith – Georgia
2. Minkah Fitzpatrick – Alabama
3. Tremaine Edmunds – Virginia Tech
4. Bradley Chubb – NC State
5. Harold Landry – Boston College

Linebacker won’t be the 49ers’ biggest need if Reuben Foster has his name cleared, but Roquan Smith may be too enticing for San Francisco to pass up if he falls to No. 9. He is a perfect fit for Robert Saleh’s defense, produced dominant play at the highest level of collegiate competition and comes into the draft with a clean off-field record.

Draft Analyst’s Tony Pauline has reported the 49ers covet both Minkah Fitzpatrick and Tremaine Edmunds. Harold Landry has been the pass rusher most connected with the 49ers and is an excellent fit with his set of tools, but San Francisco would likely sprint the card to the commissioner if Bradley Chubb were still available at nine.