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2016 NFL Draft: 5 Bold Predictions for the San Francisco 49ers

By Peter Panacy

Jan 15, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke during a press conference to introduce Jim Tomsula as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke during a press conference to introduce Jim Tomsula as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) take the field for warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) take the field for warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Bold Prediction No. 5: San Francisco Passes on a Quarterback

Wait, what? The 49ers — laden with controversy surrounding Colin Kaepernick, and Blaine Gabbert isn’t a long-term solution — elect not to draft a quarterback in the 2016 draft?

Hey, these are bold predictions, right?

San Francisco has been linked to a number of prospect signal-callers in this year’s draft. Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller’s post-Senior Bowl mock had the 49ers landing Cal quarterback Jared Goff in Round 1. It’s the same for CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler.

The 49ers could also be looking at quarterbacks Paxton Lynch or Vernon Adams.

But what if San Francisco passes on a quarterback altogether? For starters, NFL Films senior editor Greg Cosell argued, via Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, Gabbert may be a solid fit in head coach Chip Kelly’s offense.

It’s feasible the Niners elect to pass on what’s been largely regarded as a relatively weak draft class and look more towards addressing such a need at some point down the road.

The team may also roll with Kaepernick in 2016 after all.

Next: 49ers Grab a Defensive Back in Round 1 or 2