Why the 49ers Might Trade Out of Round 1

The 49ers could have a bidding war and come away with a nice trade haul if they play their cards right.

Mar 2, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon quarterback Bo Nix (QB07) during the 2024 NFL Combine at / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers currently own the second-to-last pick in Round 1 of the upcoming NFL Draft. And if they stand pat, there's a distinct possibility that the best player available will be a quarterback.

I'm not saying the 49ers should draft a quarterback in Round 1 -- obviously they should not. They have an excellent starting quarterback in Brock Purdy and they need to spend their top pick on someone who can make an immediate impact and help the 49ers win the Super Bowl next season.

But the 49ers have an abysmal track record of drafting in Round 1 since Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch joined the franchise in 2017, because they typically reach for need. Except Nick Bosa and Brandon Aiyuk, all of the 49ers' first-round picks have been reaches: Solomon Thomas, Reuben Foster, Mike McGlinchey, Javon Kinlaw and Trey Lance.

Which means the 49ers probably should try drafting the best player available this year. And if the best player available is a quarterback, what a terrific opportunity to trade down.

It seems quite possible that Oregon quarterback Bo Nix will be available when the 49ers are on the clock at pick no. 31. And if that's the case, lots of teams could be interested in trading up for him. Because if he becomes a starting quarterback, teams will want his contract to have a fifth-year team option, which they only would get if they take him in Round 1.

The 49ers could have a bidding war and come away with a nice trade haul if they play their cards right.