The jury is still out on the 49ers’ 2015 draft class.
Rookies will take to the field for the first time this weekend in a short rookie minicamp, and summer training camp is still a couple of months in the future. Top draft choices such as defensive lineman Arik Armstead, safety Jaquiski Tartt and running back Mike Davis have yet to prove they can make a difference.
But one thing is certain: 49ers general manager Trent Baalke already has set up the 49ers in a good position for the 2016 draft.
Baalke likes to accumulate draft choices to give the Niners flexibility to make moves. And a year before the next draft, the 49ers already have that.
Baalke and the 49ers have made 22 picks combined in the 2014 and 2015. In 2016, Baalke is likely to have 12 picks over seven rounds.
San Francisco has all seven of its picks for 2016, plus an extra fifth-rounder and sixth-rounder acquired in trades during this past draft.
In addition, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com noted that the website overthecap.com predicts that the 49ers could be awarded as many as three compensatory picks in 2016. Those picks – awarded for the loss of free agents – are expected to come in the fourth through sixth rounds.
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Even if the 49ers fall flat this year – if Jim Tomsula’s first year as head coach proves to be a mistake and all this team’s offseason moves create a tailspin season – Baalke has the 49ers in a good position for next year’s draft.
