The 49ers made a huge splash Monday in the trade market when they sent fifth-year defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for Indianapolis’ first-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft. The Colts earned the No. 13 overall pick in 2019 after a 7-9 finish.
While losing a team captain isn’t generally ideal, the move puts the 49ers in a much more favorable position with their draft capital going into the draft.
Here’s what their list of picks looks like following Monday’s trade:
Round 1, Pick 13 (via Indianapolis)
Round 1, Pick 31
Round 5, Pick 156 (via Denver)
Round 5, Pick 176
Round 6, Pick 210
Round 7, Pick 217 (via Detroit)
Round 7, Pick 245
While San Francisco still has a glaring hole between Rounds 1 and 5, the additional first-round pick gives them additional maneuverability to stay in the first round while also moving back to scoop up picks on Day 2 and early in Day 3.
It’s going to take some work to make up for Buckner in the middle of the defensive line, but the 49ers have enough draft capital now that making up for that loss in the long-term is much more feasible.