5 teams that really nailed the 2020 NFL Draft

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers only made two picks in the first two days, but general manager John Lynch and his staff did a masterful job in striking a balance between long-term planning and making sure San Francisco is in a position to make another Super Bowl run in the immediate future.

Javon Kinlaw is not as refined of a prospect as DeForest Buckner was coming out in 2016. However, by moving back one spot from the pick they acquired for Buckner from the Indianapolis Colts to then take the South Carolina defensive tackle, the 49ers netted a player with the potential to make the same impact from the 3-technique spot on a substantially cheaper contract.

San Francisco used the fourth-round pick gained from the trade back from No. 13 with Tampa Bay to move up for 31 for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who fills the void left by Emmanuel Sanders and is a perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan’s offense with his ability after the catch.

The biggest move of the Niners’ draft came on day three, however, as they traded a fifth-round pick and a third in 2021 to the Washington Redskins for Trent Williams. That is a bargain price for a seven-time Pro Bowler who replaces Joe Staley following the long-time left tackle’s retirement due to injury concerns.

In Kinlaw and Aiyuk, the 49ers gained foundational pieces at key positions and ensured there will be little drop off in the protection Jimmy Garoppolo receives on his blindside this year, and likely beyond, with the acquisition of Williams.

San Francisco had limited resources in this draft, but the Niners made the most of them. It will be extremely difficult to wrest the NFC crown from the 49ers in 2020.