San Francisco 49ers go big on versatile prospects in day three 2024 NFL Mock Draft

The San Francisco 49ers have regularly done some of their best work on day three of the NFL Draft.

So it's encouraging that the Niners have six picks, though general manager John Lynch has previously said the day-three talent this year is not as deep because of the impact of more players staying in college due to NIL money.

But the 49ers still need to hit on as many picks as possible to refresh a top-heavy and expensive roster. Which players could they target? Let's take a look in our day three mock draft.

Round 4, Pick 132: Brandon Dorlus, DT, Oregon

I've written several times about the 49ers needing to make a move to replace Charles Omenihu, who left for the Kansas City Chiefs last offseason.

Dorlus, with his destructive pass rushing ability from the defensive tackle spot and off the edge, fits the bill and met with the Niners on a top-30 visit.

Round 4, Pick 135: Sione Vaki, S, Utah

It could be seen as a little bit early for Vaki but, with the 49ers and Detroit Lions each reportedly extremely interested in the services of a unique prospect whose tape at running back is arguably more impressive than his play at safety, San Francisco won't mind making a slightly premature move to pick a player who can help them at two spots.

Round 5, Pick 173: Walter Rouse, OT, Oklahoma

The 49ers acquired this pick in a second-round trade with the Chiefs that allowed Kansas City to take tackle Kingsley Suamataia.

San Francisco still needs to address the same position in this class and Rouse could prove a steal at this point in the draft. He did not allow a sack and gave up only six pressures in 480 pass block snaps in 2023.

Round 5, Pick 176: Johnny Wilson, WR, Florida State

The 49ers have been clear in indicating their lack of satisfaction with their tight end options behind George Kittle.

It is an uninspiring draft class at tight end, so why not take a wide receiver project who could well transition to tight end, with Wilson's massive 6ft 6in and 231-pound frame a natural advantage in the blocking game. Blessed with a massive catch radius and possessing intriguing route-running nuance for a man of his size, selecting Wilson could prove to be a stroke of genius.

Round 6, Pick 215: Jaylen Harrell, EDGE, Michigan

Depth on the edge remains an issue for San Francisco, and in Harrell they would be getting an explosive pass rusher coming off an excellent final college season.

Harrell racked up nine tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks as Michigan won the National Championship, and he would land in an excellent situation with the chance to learn from Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd.

Round 7, Pick 251: Frank Gore Jr, RB, Souther Miss

There's no need to overthink this one. Go with sentiment, let football advisor Frank Gore ring in the pick of his son and add some extra depth behind Christian McCaffrey.