49ers make stunning 1st-round selection in early 2027 mock draft

The San Francisco 49ers should've done more to address their safety group this offseason after a mediocre showing and Jason Pinnock's departure in free agency.

However, after the 2026 NFL draft, the only safeties they've added have been Patrick McMorris and undrafted free agent Jalen Stroman.

With the position likely being a need again next offseason, Pro Football Focus' Daire Carragher is already projecting that the 49ers will take LSU safety Ty Benefield in the first round of the 2027 NFL draft.

"The Boise State transfer already has a significant sample size, with 2,169 career snaps in college football," Carragher wrote. "He must improve his tackling efficiency — an 18.1% career missed-tackle rate — but his versatility to align across the defense gives him significant upside as he transitions to SEC play."

Benefield was a three-star recruit out of Crean Lutheran High School in Irvine, California, before spending three seasons at Boise State, where he earned All-Mountain West honors once. In 41 games for the Broncos, he recorded 235 tackles (18 for a loss), 12 passes defensed, five interceptions, three sacks, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.

The 20-year-old entered the transfer portal this offseason and landed at LSU, where he'll either cement himself as a first-round prospect or drop in the projections.

This pick would be historic for this iteration of the 49ers, as they've never taken a safety before the third round since John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan took over as general manager and head coach, respectively.

Taking Ji'Ayir Brown at No. 87 overall in 2023 is the highest they've every take a safety, and taking at No. 64 in 2024 is the highest they've taken any defensive back.