The San Francisco 49ers had a very active NFL draft that featured four trades down and a swap with the Dallas Cowboys that sent linebacker Dee Winters to the Lone Star State for a fifth-round pick. There was another deal made elsewhere in the NFL that San Francisco may regret not being a part of.
While the NFL draft churned along Friday night, the Philadelphia Eagles acquired defensive end Jonathan Greenard from the Minnesota Vikings for the 98th pick in this year’s draft and a third-round choice next year. The Eagles also gave Greenard a four-year, $100 million contract with $50 million guaranteed.
San Francisco should have been aggressive in putting together a better offer. While the deal may have come together before the 49ers had traded for the 90th overall pick — something they did on Day 1 of the NFL draft — Greenard’s availability wasn’t a secret and the 49ers could’ve put themselves in the mix to move back and acquire capital that put them in position to contend with the Eagles in Greenard’s trade market.
The 49ers could have moved the 90th pick, which they used to pick Indiana running back Kaelon Black, and a future third for the pass rusher. And a four-year deal with $50 million guaranteed would have been palatable for a club already loaded with high-end contracts.
Instead of adding a proven edge rusher like Greenard, who has 38 sacks in 77 career games, the 49ers landed defensive end Romello Height with the 70th pick in this year’s draft.
With a significant need for pass rush help, the 49ers are putting a lot on Height’s shoulders to be an impact player in Year 1.
They could’ve still added a young player, to be sure, but they may wind up regretting not trying to snag an available pass rusher with bona fide NFL experience and production before the season.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: One NFL draft decision the 49ers may quickly come to regret
Reporting by Kyle Madson, Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
