While this class only has five players, the picks that weren’t used were for good players, and the picks they did have got a superstar and some good depth players.
After the trade of DeForest Buckner to the Colts and acquiring a first-round pick, the 49ers traded back one spot and acquired a fourth-rounder to add to their first-round defensive line in Javon Kinlaw, joining Arik Armstead, Nick Bosa, and Solomon Thomas. He hasn’t quite had the success of the rest of their first-rounders, missing much of the 2021 and 2022 seasons and only has five sacks in four years. He got his fifth-year option declined and will likely be headed elsewhere.
The star of this class and true breakout superstars of 2023 is wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The 49ers actually traded up from the 31st pick with the Vikings while giving up a fourth (acquired in the trade back for Kinlaw) and a fifth. Aiyuk’s career can be described as just getting better and better every single year and has really turned into a top 10 receiver in the league and a true WR1. The second-team All-Pro is on the fifth-year option, but is already looking for a new deal, and the team would be wise to lock up their young star.
The 49ers were without second and third round picks from player trades the previous year. Dee Ford was acquired from the Chiefs for the second, and while he was a game wrecker in KC, the former first-rounder only played 18 games in three seasons after signing a massive five-year extension after the trade in 2019. The third-round pick was traded to the Broncos for wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders during the ’19 season and played a major role for them, but was not re-signed. So the players were good, their production…not so much.
Without a pick til the fifth round, Colton McKivitz was selected. After being a backup his first three seasons, he was the full-time starting right tackle in 2023 following the departure of longtime starter Mike McGlinchey.
Charlie Woerner hasn’t really gotten much opportunity sitting behind George Kittle at tight end, but he’s been an every-game player as a depth player.
Jauan Jennings has really developed into a reliable WR3 in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. After spending his rookie year on the practice squad, he had a five-touchdown season in 2021. His career numbers don’t quite show it, but he’s been a clutch third-down target and elite blocker his whole career, which is so vital in that offense.
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