NFL Draft 2013: San Francisco 49ers Could Package Draft Picks to Trade Up

We have already talked about some of the possibilities for the San Francisco 49ers after trading away quarterback Alex Smith to the Kansas City Chiefs for two second-round draft picks, but we aren’t done yet.

Immediate speculation led to belief that the 49ers could look to package a number of their 15 picks in the 2013 NFL Draft in a trade for Darrelle Revis or a guy like Percy Harvin. San Francisco fell just short of winning Super Bowl XLVII, so the belief is the addition of another star player could put them over the hump.

While the Revis or Harvin trade talks are exciting for San Francisco fans, the salary cap situation facing the 49ers in the future could prevent them from making a splash on a big name veteran.

So what can San Francisco do with their surplus of draft picks? How about trading up in the draft to land a defensive playmaker?

When the 49ers were without Justin Smith last season, they were a complete different and not as effective defensive unit, so it would make sense for them to target an elite defensive lineman early in the draft that would come at a much cheaper price than a Revis or Harvin.

How about a player like Sheldon Richardson of Missouri or Utah’s Star Lotulelei? It would be a brilliant addition for the 49ers that would help the team immediately while bringing more youth onto the roster.

Richardson has been in the shadows of Lotulelei and Florida’s Shariff Floyd, so it is possible that he could slide out of the top 12 or 15 picks, which would put the 49ers in perfect position to jump up and make him their selection.

Then, there is Lotulelei who discovered a heart defect at the combine. He was viewed as the top defensive tackle prospect but the heart condition could cause him to slide down draft boards. It would be the perfect opportunity for San Francisco to package their picks and land a stud talent.

Whichever way the 49ers decide to go should be a success. They could keep all of their picks, package them and move up in the draft or sent them to another team for a veteran star. The point is they have options and they will be heavily exploring them in the coming weeks.

It’s very exciting for 49ers fans, but the rest of the league should be on notice. The 49ers have five of the top 93 picks in the 2013 NFL Draft and they aren’t afraid to move them.

Consider the 49ers armed and very dangerous.

Which move would you like to see the 49ers make? Sound off in the comments section and let us hear what you believe would be the best strategy for San Francisco.