Kentucky’s Josh Allen, like Alabama’s Quinnen Williams, will go on a Bay Area tour prior to the draft, with visits to both the 49ers and Raiders planned, sources told NBC Sports Bay Area.
Steve Rubio, a 49ers area scout, was in attendance for Kentucky’s Pro Day even though Allen did not work out. The talented edge rusher will likely get the full treatment from both teams when on his West Coast visit.
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Both teams are looking at Allen as a potential first-round choice. The 49ers have the No. 2 pick and the Raiders have No. 4. This will not be the first meeting with either team for Allen as he met with both at the NFL Scouting Combine.
The 49ers favorite appears to be Nick Bosa, but the team needs to do their due diligence with all of the top candidates. The first overall pick by Arizona could change everyone’s draft boards. While Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray is expected to become a Cardinal, both teams need to be prepared for it to be a smokescreen.
The 49ers and Raiders alike could also be candidates to make a trade on Day 1 of the draft. The 49ers have only six picks in this year’s draft and a trade down could give them more firepower.
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San Francisco 49ers
While at the NFL owners meeting both CEO Jed York and general manager John Lynch confirmed that signing edge rusher Dee Ford gives the 49ers a little more flexibility in regards to the draft. The depth of edge rushers in this year’s draft class also allows for some mobility if necessary.
Both the Raiders and 49ers are in the market for help with their pass rush, and draft prospects seem to be scheduling their visits to both quite efficiently.