Best players available for the San Francisco 49ers on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft
The San Francisco 49ers will finally pick on Friday night, and it is time to see who the best players available may be.
Better late than never summarizes much of the San Francisco 49ers draft approach.
The team will finally make selections Friday night on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft, and with that will come analysis and questions as to the direction the organization is aiming to run toward.
But also, it will bring some excitement to 49ers fans who sat back and watched other teams have all the fun Thursday night. So, the question is now: Who will be three of the best players available for the 49ers on Day 2? Let's take a look and find out. For context, the Niners possess No. 99, the fourth-to-last pick of the third round. The 49ers also own picks No. 101 and 102, the last two selections of the night.
S, Ji’Ayir Brown, Penn State
Brown was productive in his last two college seasons. He collected 10 interceptions and 18 pass breakups. He plays with contact and fits much of what San Francisco aspires to do from a cultural perspective on defense. The only hindrance is he will have to stick around long enough for the 49ers to grab him. That isn't a guarantee. Still, he presents an intriguing Day 2 option at the Niners' disposal.
DE, Byron Young, Tennessee
Dane Brugler’s seven-round mock draft for The Athletic, predicted that Young may fall to the 49ers. On Day 2, that is feeling like a plausible possibility. If he does, the Niners would be the de facto winners of the draft Friday night. Young’s burst — a 4.40 40-yard dash and 1.54 10-yard split — is elite for his size. Yes, there may be some technicalities that are involved. And his game can lack polish at times. But teams can't teach physical attributes, and he has that "it" factor.
WR, Jayden Reed, Michigan State
Reed is a receiver with high playmaking potential. He clocked a 4.45 40-yard dash, and he plays fast. The 49ers have met formally with Reed at the combine and hosted him on a top-30 visit earlier in the month. They’d likely have to use one of their top draft picks on Reed since he’s projected to go around the third round. It would be a pick that feels like a reach. But the Niners are great at getting the most out of players and Reed would be a player with near-limitless potential in that regard.
If the Niners choose to go with either of these three guys, they would be in good hands. The team is also a threat to trade their picks for future assets or more cracks at the draft in the future. In the end, no one really knows what the front office may do once it is on the clock. But what is clear is that there is a slew of options available for the Niners on Day 2.
