Evaluating the 49ers Day 3 draft picks: Are the concerns overblown?

Halton seems like a rotational pass rusher, which is what the 49ers needed after their group ranked 32nd in sacks last year. With all the unique body types and Halton’s college experience, it’ll be interesting to see how Raheem Morris uses this new-look defensive line.

I don’t expect much early as a run defender due to his size, but his athleticism and quickness fit well in a third-down role.

Round 4, Pick 127 – OL Carver Willis

The 49ers waited a while, but finally took their first offensive lineman late in the fourth round with Kansas State’s Carver Willis. While playing tackle in college, his size and arm length make him more suitable for guard, perhaps providing Connor Colby some competition.

Where Willis lacks in size and length, he makes up for it with quickness, and that should help as a zone-blocking run-blocker getting out in space.

At 6’5, 303 pounds, though, you also wonder if he can hold up at guard or whether center might be the eventual move for him. While he was projected to go slightly later, I think the fit makes sense here. It’s just a matter of where he ends up playing as a rotational guy to start.

Trade

Baltimore Ravens receive: No. 133 overall

San Francisco 49ers receive: No. 154, 2027 sixth-round pick

Acquiring 2027 draft capital was expected to be a rarity in this class. So, getting a sixth-rounder to move back 21 spots in the fifth round seems like solid value here for the 49ers in a class not seen as strong.

Round 4, Pick 139: CB Ephesians Prysock

That name alone is worth it, but this was another of San Francisco’s better value picks, according to consensus.

Prysock might be more of a developmental project, but he’s got great length at 6’3, 196 pounds, and pretty good athleticism (4.45 40-yard dash, 39” vertical jump).

There needs to be development here, but Prysock is a different type of cornerback than the 49ers usually target, and he has some quality traits.

Round 5, Pick 154: LB Jaden Dugger

The 49ers sent out linebacker Dee Winters for the No. 152 pick. At No. 154, they took another linebacker with safety convert Jaden Dugger. He tested quite well athletically, and is another project worth looking at in a draft not considered as deep.

There are a lot of questions on what role he could play, but he at least fits a special teams role, and there are ample bodies in the room to let him develop. This is a position that San Francisco has traditionally developed well at, and Johnny Holland has a new young player to mentor.

Round 5, Pick 179: OL Enrique Cruz Jr.

Cruz looks more like a prototypical guard at 6’5, 315 pounds, and he’ll be another tackle candidate that might move inside in the pros.

Cruz is a lot different than Carver Willis, though. He’s got more strength, substituting athleticism there, as he plays with more power. He’s also got solid length for his size, which should play a factor.

We’ll see where he ends up, but it’s another dart throw for the 49ers on a reserve offensive lineman.