The NFL Draft is as much about finding ways to build on strengths as it is about trying to address holes on the roster, while the smartest teams with the best track records in the annual selection meeting are those who have the foresight to anticipate future needs and draft a year ahead so they are well prepared for potential departures.
In the 2024 draft, the 49ers did a decent job of drafting a year ahead. Renardo Green and Malik Mustapha are poised to move into starting roles at cornerback and safety respectively and, though Ricky Pearsall boasts a different skill set to Deebo Samuel, there will be hope that last year’s first-round pick can at least help to fill the void left by the departed former first-team All-Pro.