Other » Unless there is a drastic change this year, of course

The fact that the 49ers are shopping defensive lineman Solomon Thomas is being viewed in some circles as even more proof that the team will draft defensive end Nick Bosa. But some are wondering whether the decision to cut the cord on the third overall pick in the 2017 draft will prompt the 49ers to go a different way.Two years ago Solomon Thomas Color Rush Jersey , the 49ers felt very good about their first round. They squeezed multiple extra picks out of the Bears via a one-pick flip-flop, and they claimed to have gotten the guy they wanted at No. 2 (Thomas) and the guy they would have taken at No. 3 if Thomas were gone (Reuben Foster).Both guys have failed, Foster miserably and Thomas more gradually. As one astute league insider observed earlier today in a conversation regarding the 49ers’ prospects at No. 2, the 49ers could decide to play it safe. And playing it safe could mean taking Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams over Bosa.Bosa has a tremendous upside, but there are a few potential red flags. He may hold out like his brother did. He prefers unconventional training methods. He’s regarded as injury prone. He Twitter habits have raised eyebrows, along with concerns about what could happen in the locker room regarding his political and societal views.So if the 49ers hope to make up for a failed first round in 2017 by playing it safer tonight, the safer pick could be Williams, not Bosa. Some of the good players have to be even better if the team is going to make the playoffs"It’s widely known that players tend to take a sizable step in Year two of their development. As a rookie https://www.49ersfanshop.com/Mike-Mcglinchey-Jersey , you are adjusting to the speed of the game. You are being overloaded with information, and for the first time in your life, you’re no longer the best player on the field. If the San Francisco 49ers are going to win more than their projected eight games in 2019, the rookie class from 2018 will need to step up. That’s how playoff teams emerge. Take a look at the Chicago Bears. Safety Eddie Jackson went from a pretty solid rookie to one of the best safeties in the NFL. That helped transform the secondary. Who will be that player for the Niners? Here are three players that need to make the jump in their second year.Kentavius StreetIn Street’s draft profile on NFL.com, his player comparison was Ronald Blair. Street was known for his athleticism, strength, and versatility coming out of North Carolina State. He played on a stacked defensive line where Street played both inside and out. Street doesn’t need to go in and get ten sacks. Success would be him coming in and stealing that third pass-rushing role from Ronald Blair.Street plays with a ton of effort, and that matters. Kris Kocurek has some new toys to coach. Provided Street has recovered from the ACL injury he suffered at his Pro Day in the spring of 2018; Street has an excellent shot at winning that job.Tarvarius MooreThe frustration for a lot of 49ers fans was that Moore was playing out of position. The former college safety transitioned to cornerback in 2018 Jimmie Ward Jersey , and that was always going to be a learning curve. To his credit, Moore didn’t look entirely out of his depth. There were some growing pains, but we knew that would happen. Moore is a rare athlete. To me, he should be on the field. Whether that’s at free safety, strong safety, in the box, outside at corner. Moore is a talent.The coaching staff views Moore as a cornerback, and that’s all that matters. If that’s the case Dwight Clark Color Rush Jersey , Moore is probably another year away from realistically being able to contribute. That’s why many believe he’s Richard Sherman’s replacement in 2020, in the event the team doesn’t re-sign Sherman. In 2019, Moore needs to find his role, whatever that may be. He has too much ability to be on the sidelines.D.J. Reed Jr.Coming out of Kansas State, Reed Jr. was known for his ball skills. He broke up 25 passes during the two years he played in college. At 5-foot-9, and 188 pounds, many figured Reed Jr. would play in the slot. The 49ers tried Reed Jr. out at free safety as well, where he played 154 snaps. He played 172 snaps in the slot.I don’t know if this is an unpopular opinion https://www.49ersfanshop.com/Aaron-Burbridge-Jersey , but to me, Reed Jr. has a higher ceiling than K’Waun Williams. Reed Jr. is more of a willing tackler and can get you takeaways. In Robert Saleh’s defense, they’re never going to be asked to lock down receivers in man coverage consistently. Unless there is a drastic change this year, of course. In the slot, you want players that are aware and can read the QB. That’s been Reed Jr. all of his life. If you recall what Reed Jr. did against the Denver Broncos Week 14 in place of Williams, that’s everything you want. You’re going to give up catches in the slot, but it’s more important to limit what receivers do after the catch. In that game, Williams gave up six catches for a total of 15 yards. He also had eight tackles. Seven of those were “stops Kyle Juszczyk Jersey ,” which constitutes a loss for the offense. If Reed Jr. can give the 49ers that type of production consistently, the front office will be ecstatic. Rob Lowder will be back to tell us what the first three picks of the 2018 draft class need to do for the 49ers to take the next step.