There’s no question that the 49ers’ roster is loaded with talent, but just how valuable is San Francisco’s star-studded team?
While the 49ers are undoubtedly going all out to win the franchise’s sixth Super Bowl championship, let’s imagine an alternate universe where they try to claim victory. What kind of loot could they get in return if they gave up their stars?
In his latest column, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell took a look at every NFL player he thinks is currently worth at least a first-round pick. Spoiler alert: The 49ers have not one, not two, not three… but six.
Two first-round picks and more: EN Nick Bosa
“Aside from the torn ACL that cost him most of the 2020 season, Bosa’s resume is impeccable,” Barnwell writes. “Before the age of 26, he has Defensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors in his trophy case, has averaged a whopping 13.5 sacks in 17 games and is widely considered an excellent two-way defender.”
A first-round pick and more: LB Fred Warner, RB Christian McCaffrey
“[Warner] is one of the few players who truly exceeds his positional value,” explains Barnwell.
“The same could be said about McCaffrey, who has reached new levels since joining the 49ers last year with a much smaller trade package. The capital the 49ers sent ultimately added up to something like a first-round pick, but he has to be worth more after dominating the league in a San Francisco jersey.
A selection for the first round: WR Brandon Aiyuk, S Talanoa Hufanga, QB Brock Purdy
“Aiyuk has given his best this season,” added Barnwell. “He’s averaging just under 4.0 yards per route run, and while that absurd efficiency won’t hold up, his numbers would look nuclear if he were in an offense that asked him to run more routes.”
“Hufanga showed himself to be a defensive playmaker and hit-stick artist in his debut season as a starter a year ago, when he was named first-team All-Pro.
“Purdy will make a total of less than $3 million over the next three years. He may not be the best quarterback in football, as QBR suggests, but if he’s a solid starter, that’s the league’s biggest bargain through 2025.”
Believe it or not, the 49ers have even more star players who could bring them significant draft capital. However, Barnwell believes they will fall short of the first-round prize.
Miss: OT Trent Williams, TE George Kittle, WR Deebo Samuel, LB Dre Greenlaw, DT Javon Hargrave, CB Charvarius Ward
The 49ers have one of, if not the, best rosters in the NFL and appear poised for success in the years to come. But if they were to reverse course and crash in a surprising turn of events, the rebuild could be accelerated by seven potential first-round picks and a wealth of other draft capital.
It’s safe to say that not a single player, coach, manager or member of the 49ers Faithful wants or expects this to happen any time soon.
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