2018 NFL Mock Draft: Los Angeles Rams select Donte Jackson first round

After a 1-9 start, all hope seemed to be lost for the San Francisco 49ers this season, as Kyle Shanahan’s first year as head coach was turning out to be a rough experience, but luckily a wise trade with the New England Patriots to acquire Jimmy Garoppolo put this team in the right direction. In fact, the 49ers ended the regular season as one of the hottest in the NFL after winning each of their final five games, all of which Garoppolo was the starter.

Assuming they can make their quarterback happy over the next few months with the right deal, San Francisco will all of a sudden enter 2018 as a team to keep an eye on when it comes to breaking out as potential contenders in the NFC. And while the 49ers will look to use the upcoming draft to improve the offense so Garoppolo’s job is easier to deal with, the defense needs to be addressed as well.

While cornerback is one of the key positions San Francisco will look to improve over the next few months, it would be difficult to pass on a talented defensive star like Bradley Chubb if he were still available at No. 9.

The defensive end’s ability to get to quarterbacks makes Chubb one of the most attractive players to consider when it comes to April’s draft. For a team that seems to finally be moving in the right direction for the first time in what seems like forever, Chubb would be a great addition for the 49ers and their 4-3 defense.