Fact check: Who should the San Francisco 49ers draft with the 11th pick?

1. Summary of the results

The San Francisco 49ers' draft strategy at the 11th pick appears to focus on several key positions, with multiple potential candidates emerging from the analyses. The team is actively conducting Top-30 visits with prospects, particularly focusing on defensive line, secondary, and tight end positions ^[1]. Three main candidates have emerged as potential selections:

• Will Johnson (CB, Michigan): A 6-foot-2, 195-pound cornerback who's compared to Panthers Pro Bowler Jaycee Horn and could provide immediate secondary improvement ^[2]
• Shemar Stewart (DE, Texas A&M): A high-potential defensive end who could be developed under defensive line coach Kris Kocurek ^[3]
• Offensive Line Options: Including Will Campbell, Kelvin Banks Jr., or Armand Membou as potential replacements for Trent Williams ^[4]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual factors should be considered:

• The 49ers have 11 total draft picks in this draft ^[5], giving them flexibility in their strategy
• The team hasn't drafted a cornerback in the first round since Mike Rumph in 2002 ^[6]
• The team lost significant defensive talent during free agency ^[7]
• Another defensive end option being considered is Mykel Williams ^[7]
• The team appears to be following a "best player available" strategy, particularly focusing on left tackle and defensive tackle positions ^[4]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The question assumes there's a clear "should" in this situation, when in reality the decision is more complex:

• Team-affiliated sources might be pushing the Will Johnson narrative as it would represent a historic shift in their draft strategy ^[6]
• Defensive coaching staff, particularly Kris Kocurek, might be advocating for Shemar Stewart, potentially influencing internal discussions ^[3]
• Player agents and representatives might be pushing their clients' narratives, particularly in the case of the offensive line prospects mentioned ^[4]
• The team's multiple needs and 11 draft picks suggest that focusing solely on the 11th pick might be misleading, as their strategy likely encompasses their entire draft capital ^[5]