NFL Draft News: 5 players the 49ers might select in Round 1

5 players the 49ers might draft in Round 1

KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 23: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) looks to throw the football in action during an NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs on September 23, 2018, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 01: Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Josh Allen (41) looks on during the Citrus Bowl game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Penn State Nittany Lions on January 1, 2019 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Josh Allen

Allen is a much different type of edge rusher than the other players on this list. He might play a little defensive end on obvious passing downs, but the majority of his snaps at the NFL level are going to come at outside linebacker.

If the 49ers still wants to give meaningful snaps to Solomon Thomas next season, drafting Allen might be the right move. Taking him would allow Thomas to stay put at defensive end during early downs and slide inside on passing downs to make way for Allen.

No matter where you see him fitting in scheme-wise at the next level, there’s no debate about his natural gifts as a pass rusher. He dominated NFL-quality tackles during SEC play for Kentucky. That fact isn’t lost on NFL scouts trying to figure out just how high he should go in the draft.

Allen isn’t going to be the favorite for this pick unless he blows the ‘Niners brass away at his Pro Day, but he’ll be in consideration for a lot of teams picking in the top five. The combination of his collegiate productivity and obvious athleticism is going to be too much for one enterprising team to pass up.