The San Francisco 49ers nearly made a trade mistake in the NFL Draft's first round, as they were concerned about losing Georgia University pass rusher Mykel Williams to another team. Despite their attempt to trade up from their No. 11 pick, the effort was unsuccessful, but they ultimately secured Williams since the teams ahead drafted offensive players. The decision to attempt a trade, though seemingly unnecessary in hindsight, was influenced by the team's willingness to use their 11 picks to ensure they got their desired prospect. The 49ers, needing to fill defensive holes due to free agency losses, saw Williams as the ideal complement to Nick Bosa in their pass rush strategy. Fortunately, they managed to draft Williams without sacrificing future draft assets, resolving their initial anxiety over the selection process.

The San Francisco 49ers were anxious about losing out on Mykel Williams during the NFL Draft, prompting them to consider trading up from their No. 11 position, fearing he would be selected by another team.

Despite the attempt to move up, the 49ers' efforts were thwarted, but ultimately unnecessary, as the teams selecting ahead of them chose offensive players, leaving Williams available at their original pick.

The team's general manager, John Lynch, and head coach, Kyle Shanahan, were willing to use some of their draft capital to secure Williams, demonstrating their commitment to obtaining the desired talent.

The 49ers faced significant defensive gaps after several players left in free agency, making Williams a crucial addition to their defensive lineup, particularly as a partner to Nick Bosa.

In the end, the 49ers were able to draft Williams without giving up any future draft resources, which alleviated their initial concerns and allowed them to maintain their long-term strategic flexibility.

Missing out on a coveted prospect during the NFL Draft is a gut-wrenching feeling, and the San Francisco 49ers were looking to avoid that feeling on Thursday night.

San Francisco used the No. 11 overall pick on Mykel Williams, but 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that he was worried that the Georgia University pass rusher would be gone before the 49ers were on the clock. 

“We had a good idea he was going earlier,” Shanahan said, per San Francisco 49ers On SI.

Not wanting to see Williams go to another franchise, 49ers general manager John Lynch attempted to trade up from No. 11, but to no avail. 

“We thought about going up, and John definitely attempted for a second… but they shot him down,” Shanahan added.

The benefit of hindsight makes a trade-up for Williams look foolish. The five teams picking ahead of the 49ers drafted offensive players, so San Francisco had no real competition for the pass rusher’s services.

Nonetheless, it’s easy to understand why Lynch and Shanahan were willing to make a move. With 11 picks at their disposal, the 49ers could afford to unload some draft capital if it meant securing the prospect they wanted.

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The 49ers also have plenty of holes to fill on defense after a mass exodus in free agency, so securing Williams as the Robin to Nick Bosa’s Batman is a great way to start replenishing the pass rush.

While the trade rejection certainly had San Francisco’s brass sweating through the first 10 picks, it all worked out in the end as the 49ers got their guy without having to give up future assets.

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