Rams' trade to No. 1 shifts 49ers' focus to defense

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Not only did the Rams move 1,500 miles to Los Angeles this offseason, the organization on Thursday made the almost-as-dramatic relocation from the middle of the first round to holders of the No. 1 overall pick.

The Los Angeles football club has held workouts with the top two quarterback prospects in recent weeks. And it appears likely that the organization that currently has quarterbacks Nick Foles, Case Keenum and Sean Mannion on its roster will select either Jared Goff of Cal or Carson Wentz of North Dakota State with the No. 1 overall pick.

The Tennessee Titans, previous holders of the No. 1 overall pick, receive from the Rams the No. 15 overall pick this year and next year’s first-round pick. They also receive picks No. 43, No. 45 and No. 76 this year, in addition to the Rams’ third-round pick next year. The Rams will receive the Titans’ fourth- and sixth-round picks (Nos. 113 and 190) this year.

This trade is likely to have a trickle-down effect for the 49ers at No. 7 overall.

The Cleveland Browns have been expected to select a quarterback at No. 2. That thought remains alive with the Browns seemingly in line to take either Goff or Wentz -- whomever the Rams do not select. 

Until Thursday’s trade, Ole Miss tackle Laremy Tunsil was considered the likely No. 1 overall pick. Assuming Tunsil is selected with one of the top six draft picks, that means one of the top-four defensive prospects will be available for the 49ers to grab:

Cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Florida State: Some consider him a safety. But others believe he is a shutdown cornerback. The 49ers do not need another safety, but if they believe he can step in and be a difference-maker in the 49ers’ pass defense, he could get the call. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports at least two teams with picks in the Top 10 have Ramsey as the No. 1 player on their boards.

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Defensive end Joey Bosa, Ohio State: At 6 foot 5, 269 pounds, Bosa appears to be the kind of player who could easily fit the 49ers’ scheme. The 49ers need a pass rusher, and Bosa is considered the top edge rusher in this draft. He is sturdy against the run, so he could play 3-4 defensive end on base downs, then line up outside in nickel situations to get after the quarterback.

Defensive end DeForest Buckner, Oregon: Buckner is similar to Arik Armstead, the player the 49ers selected in the first round a year ago. But Buckner is certainly more polished and NFL-ready. The 49ers need depth on the defensive line with Glenn Dorsey and Ian Williams rehabbing from significant injuries. At 6-7, 291, Buckner has the kind of size that Chip Kelly and Trent Baalke covet.

Linebacker Myles Jack, UCLA: Jack would almost certainly be the pick if he’s still there for the 49ers. The heart of the 49ers’ defense in its good days paired Patrick Willis with NaVorro Bowman at inside linebacker. Willis is content in retirement, and Bowman made some impressive strides last season in his return from a devastating knee injury. Jack would give the 49ers a versatile, sideline-to-sideline tackler who can cover and help the defense get off the field on third downs.

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