Niners Nation
There’s plenty of intriguing options.
The 11th overall pick is the highest the San Francisco 49ers have held in any draft since 2021. They survived the ill-fated decision to move up from 12 to 3 to get Trey Lance and, with the exception of last season, have continued to thrive in spite of it. As draft day draws ever closer, there’s again talk of them making a first-round trade, albeit in the opposite direction.
NFL Media’s draft expert Daniel Jeremiah talked up the possibility of the 49ers trading down when discussing who they might target in the first round on his annual conference call.
“Walter Nolen to me would be someone if you — maybe if you slid down a little bit just to get more value that would be a defensive tackle that I think would be a fun fit for that group.”
An explosive defensive tackle with the potential to crush the Combine in Indianapolis this week, there’s no guarantee of Nolen being there at 11, and talk around potential character concerns may dissuade San Francisco from drafting him.
With lots of issues to address this year and the 49ers’ track record of moving up and down the board under John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan, a trade back for more ammunition would make a lot of sense.
If it’s not for Nolen, who else could they target? I’m glad you asked.
Umanmielen has not received much hype as a potential first-round prospect, but that may change with a strong week at the Combine, as the tape is supremely impressive.
He ranked 10th among all edge rushers with at least 100 snaps last season with a pressure rate of 19.1 percent, per Pro Football Focus, racking up 11 sacks in his final year with the Rebels.
Umanmielen boasts a skill set that the 49ers have desired essentially ever since injury ended Dee Ford’s time with the team. He has a great get-off and can generate speed to power easily, and possesses the speed and lower-body flexibility to turn the corner consistently.
There’s an intriguing variance to Umanmielen’s plan of attack as a pass rusher. He’s found regular success with a spin move at the top of his rush, has a hesitation move in his locker and shows an understanding how to effectively to marry his feet and his hands to manipulate pass protectors and put himself in advantageous situations as a rusher.
While he isn't dominant against the run, Umanmielen displays strong awareness reading the mesh point in the backfield and has little issue disengaging from tight ends.
With the opportunity to learn from a rusher who was once of a similar mold in the form of Leonard Floyd, the 49ers have an ecosystem to build on the substantial promise Umanmielen has displayed as a pass rusher. The Niners have regularly been connected with Umanmielen’s defensive line teammate Nolen in mock drafts. However, if they drop back into the second half of the...
