49ers' Top 2023 NFL Draft Targets

For the second consecutive offseason, the San Francisco 49ers will head into the first round of the NFL draft without a pick.

Short of a trade that would get them into the first or second round, the Niners aren't scheduled to be on the clock until the No. 99 selection where they will make a compensatory pick.

They also hold the 101st and 102nd picks, so after sitting out nearly the first 100 selections, they will have the opportunity to add three rookies in four picks.

Last year, the 49ers didn't pick until No. 61 where they took Drake Jackson, who posted three sacks last season. However, the team still found talent that helped it in later rounds.

Most notably, "Mr. Irrelevant" Brock Purdy threw 13 touchdowns to four interceptions and was the starter for two playoff wins.

So, even though San Francisco doesn't have a premium pick this year, it could still add talent to help it push toward being a Super Bowl contender.

Here's a look at three top targets for the 49ers in the compensatory portion of the third round.

Edge Byron Young, Tennessee

Megan Briggs/Getty Images

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: Byron Young #6 of the Tennessee Volunteers in action against the Clemson Tigers during the second half in the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Scouting Report

With Samson Ebukam and Charles Omenihu finding new homes in free agency, the 49ers should come away with some edge-rusher depth with one of their first three picks.

In an ideal scenario, Byron Young will find a way to fall to them at No. 99. He is ranked No. 82 in Bleacher Report's big board, but he has the upside to go much higher.

The 25-year-old may be a little undersized at 6'2", 250 pounds, but that's not enough for him to be a true liability and he could put on some weight in the first years of his career. That is, if it doesn't impact the athleticism which is the crux of his game.

Young ran a mind-boggling 4.43 40-yard dash, which shows up when you watch his initial burst off the line.

He used that speed and athleticism to get 12.5 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss in two seasons for the Tennessee Volunteers.

He is going to be a pass-down specialist early in his career, and that's just fine for the Niners. They signed Clelin Ferrell this offseason and he's a solid run defender, so Young could be a nice complement.

OT Jaelyn Duncan, Maryland

AP Photo/Barry Reeger

Maryland offensive lineman Jaelyn Duncan (71) looks to block Penn State defensive tackle PJ Mustipher (97) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Scouting Report

Jaelyn Duncan is an offensive tackle who's a bit undersized at 6'6", 306 pounds, but good testing numbers showed off his athleticism, including a 1.73 10-yard split on his 5.1 40-yard dash and a 9'5" broad jump.

In his B/R scouting report, Brandon Thorn noted his "very good quickness to close space and get into his initial fit on jump sets, kick-out and cut-off blocks."

In other words, Duncan is a perfect project for the Niners, which need a long-term solution at right tackle. Kyle Shanahan's offense is offensive lineman friendly. It utilizes the run and play action in a way that doesn't put it in pure pass sets as often, and defensive linemen have to play a bit more tentatively.

That's a perfect setup for the 22-year-old, who still has a lot of work to do as a pass protector.

San Francisco offensive line coach Chris Foerster is an experienced position coach with a proven track record. That will be important as Duncan looks to clean up the technical aspects of his game. Having Trent Williams around as a mentor doesn't hurt, either.

CB Cory Trice Jr., Purdue

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 10: Purdue Boilermakers cornerback Cory Trice (23) lines up on defense during the college football game between the Purdue Boilermakers and Indiana State Sycamores on September 10, 2022, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Scouting Report

Charvarius Ward was a great pickup last season, and Deommodore Lenoir gives the 49ers a starting tandem with considerable size and physicality. But cornerback is one of those positions where depth is essential.

Signing Isaiah Oliver will help in the slot, but the Niners need to add another CB who could start on the outside if Ward or Lenoir got injured. With Emmanuel Moseley headed to the Detroit Lions, San Francisco's depth at the position is a big question mark.

Drafting Purdue's Cory Trice Jr. would certainly help.

At 6'3", 206 pounds with 32⅜" arms, the 22-year-old has exceptional height and length for the position, and he posted good agility scores in testing unlike a lot of taller corners. His impressive 9.65 relative athletic score is buoyed by a 4.06 shuttle time and 6.7 three-cone.

Trice has the length and physicality to stick with defenders in press coverage. His ability to reroute them and push them to the sideline makes him an ideal replacement in the Niners' defense.