Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium is now in the books, and the rest of the NFL will continue its focus on the upcoming 2016 NFL draft. With as many as 12 picks on the table, what will the San Francisco 49ers do? Let’s take a look in this most recent Niners Nation mock.
All the storylines and hype from Super Bowl 50 will slowly start to fade away, and the rest of the NFL will begin to turn its attention to offseason matters like free agency and, more importantly, the 2016 NFL draft.
For the San Francisco 49ers, coming off a 5-11 finish last year and a last-place berth in the NFC West, this year’s draft holds an incredible amount of importance.
The Niners’ roster could stand to use a number of upgrades at nearly every position. While head coach Chip Kelly should be able to turn this underachieving roster around to an extent, San Francisco is still in need of a sizable influx of talent.
Fortunately, the 49ers are in pretty good shape to accomplish this.
San Francisco will have a sizable amount of cap space to spend in free agency — over $50 million to be exact. And while free agency may be one avenue of approach for general manager Trent Baalke, the likeliest of resources will be the draft itself.
The 49ers will be armed with as many as 12 draft picks — four of which are compensatory. Here’s the list, courtesy of David Fucillo of Niners Nation:
"1. First round: Own pick 2. Second round: Own pick 3. Third round: Own pick 4. Fourth round: Own pick 5. Fourth round: Comp pick (Mike Iupati) 6. Fifth round: Own pick 7. Fifth round: San Diego Chargers (2015 draft-day trade) 8. Fifth round: Comp pick (Perrish Cox) 9. Sixth round: Dallas Cowboys (2015 draft-day trade) 10. Sixth round: Denver Broncos (Vernon Davis trade) 11. Sixth round: Comp pick (Dan Skuta) 12. Sixth round: Comp pick (Frank Gore)"
Notably, the 49ers will have six picks between Rounds 3 through 5. This gives Baalke a good amount of ammunition to hit on Day 2 and 3 prospects as well as possibly trading up, or down, at any point in the draft.
One should assume he does so again as Baalke’s track record suggests. But for clarity’s sake, let’s assume the 49ers stay put at the No. 7 selection.
So here it is — a round-by-round mock of San Francisco’s selections in the 2016 NFL draft.
Next: Round 1
Round 1
The Pick: WR Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss
6’2″, 210 pounds
The 49ers need offensive playmakers. They need them badly. And few players in Round 1 fit this moniker more than Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell.
The 6’2″ wideout from Ole Miss is unquestionably the most talented receiver in this draft. And with the 49ers boasting the league’s worst offense in 2015, a player like Treadwell would provide the immediate upgrade San Francisco needs.
Here’s what Dane Brugler of CBS Sports had to say about the talented receiver:
"Treadwell has exceptional ballskills and catching radius with strong hands to pluck away from his body or scoop off his shoelaces — if the throw is anywhere within a few feet of his body, he’ll attack it. He isn’t a sudden athlete, but plays with athletic twitch and power to be a threat after the catch. Although soft-spoken, Treadwell is highly respected when he does speak up and plays like a warrior. He has the skill-set to develop into a legitimate No. 1 target in the NFL, similar to a not-as-dynamic Dez Bryant; a top 10 talent in the 2016 class."
Interestingly enough, fellow CBS Sports draft analyst Rob Rang recently mocked Treadwell to the 49ers in Round 1.
Treadwell would allow the 49ers to move on from veteran No. 1 receiver Anquan Boldin — be it in 2016 or later — and not let up in terms of playmaking abilities.
Next: Round 2
Round 2
The Pick: DE Emmanuel Ogbah, Oklahoma State
6’3″, 275 pounds
It’s clear three-year veteran defensive end Tank Carradine won’t be the effective piece along San Francisco’s defensive line as hoped when the team drafted him in Round 2 of the 2013 NFL draft. And with defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey (knee) likely sidelined to start 2016 and nose tackle Ian Williams hitting the free-agent market, the 49ers will need some help along their D-line.
Enter defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah from Oklahoma State.
Ogbah is a combination of pocket-wrecking force, tackling machine and sack generator. He led the Big 12 conference with 12.5 sacks last year and has 26.5 to his three-year collegiate career. Ogbah also registered 35.5 tackles for a loss during that same span.
CBS Sports currently projects Ogbah as a late first- or early second-round pick. So he may have to slip into the early stages of Round 2 for the 49ers to grab him with their second pick of the draft.
And it would be silly to let him fall any later than that.
Imagine a 49ers defensive line, with or without Williams, bookended by DEs Ogbah and Arik Armstead, who is coming off an impressive rookie year. Supplementing the cast would also be defensive tackle Quinton Dial, who has put together a nice young career since being drafted in 2013.
Not a bad defensive line at all.
Next: Round 3
Round 3
The Pick: ILB Scooby Wright III, Arizona
6’0″, 246 pounds
The 49ers need to get strong up the middle on defense once more, and it’s apparent inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite isn’t cut out to be an everyday starter.
To shore up this need, and to place a solid inside linebacker alongside NaVorro Bowman, the 49ers tab Arizona prospect and 2014 Heisman Trophy candidate Scooby Wright III.
Wright would have easily been a first-round pick had it not been for a season-ending knee injury that limited him to just three games in 2015. Prior to that, Wright led all the NCAA the previous year with 164 tackles as well as a collegiate-leading 31 tackles for a loss. Oh, and he also registered 15 sacks that year.
Dane Brugler of CBS Sports makes a comparison many 49ers fans should know well:
"After winning the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Rotary Lombardi Award and the Chuck Bednarik Award in 2014, Wright missed all but three games as a junior and yet still elected to leave early for the NFL. He offers Jedi-like instincts and keen spatial awareness to knock the ball free, making him a potential standout against the run and while attacking the quarterback. The challenge of adapting to a more traditional defensive alignment and holding up in pass coverage, however, could keep him on the board into Day Two and raises concerns about his ability to duplicate his eye-popping collegiate success in the NFL. COMPARES TO: Chris Borland, ex-San Francisco 49ers – Like the former 49ers standout, Wright is a better football player than athlete, winning with terrific instincts, generally reliable open-field tackling and a knack for producing big plays."
A comparison to ex-49ers linebacker Chris Borland is a nice thing here. Both had their tackling prowess, and San Francisco’s defense needs help here in a major way.
He’s projected by CBS as a late third- or early fourth-round pick. But, pending his meniscus evaluations in advance of the draft, that stock should climb.
And general manager Trent Baalke loves his “All ACL” players, right? Well, at least it’s not an ACL injury in this case.
Next: Round 4
Round 4
The Pick: OT Le’Raven Clark, Texas
6’6″, 312 pounds
The 49ers have two picks in Round 4 — their own and a likely compensatory selection — and have yet to address one of the key areas of concern this offseason: the offensive line.
This need may be diminished to a certain extent given the possibility of retired right tackle Anthony Davis returning to action after a year away from the game. And the development of second-year pro tackle Trent Brown, along with guard Andrew Tiller, has been enticing enough.
Still, the 49ers may need to account for a possible free-agent departure of left guard Alex Boone. And there isn’t any guarantee Davis will be 100 percent if he returns in 2016.
Still, Texas OT Le’Raven Clark should be the pick here. At 6’6″ and 312 pounds, Clark has the body type to project as an NFL tackle or guard. Flexibility is a good thing here.
Dane Brugler of CBS Sports wrote:
"With his workable frame and lower body flexibility, Clark has a draftable skillset, but it’s tough to get an accurate read of his pro ceiling due to the Texas Tech offense. Groomed at left tackle in the Texas Tech offense, Clark was asked to retreat off the snap and his technique faces a learning curve under pro coaching. Once his upper body mechanics catch up, Clark projects as a NFL starter at tackle or guard."
This gives San Francisco some options in formulating an O-line in 2016. Clark could be used as a backup lineman his rookie season if he fails to win the starting job outright. Or he may be a nice upgrade and/or stalwart figure along the right side of the line.
The Pick: OLB Joe Schobert, Wisconsin
6’2″, 247 pounds
It’s clear outside linebacker Corey Lemonier isn’t going to be anything better than a backup for San Francisco, and veteran linebacker Ahmad Brooks’ future with the team remains uncertain.
The 49ers need plenty of pass-rushing help and a complement to linebacker Aaron Lynch. While second-year pro Eli Harold may provide this, it’s pretty clear San Francisco needs some additional help in this area on defense.
With their second pick in the round, San Francisco could take Wisconsin outside linebacker Joe Schobert. Schobert is a tackling machine and a disruptive force. Over three years at Wisconsin, he totaled 154 tackles, 33.5 tackles for a loss and 13 sacks.
2015 was his best season as Schobert was No. 1 in the Big Ten conference with 20 tackles for a loss. He also registered 9.5 of his 13 collegiate sacks last year.
Rob Rang of CBS Sports described him further:
"More than the sum of his parts, Schobert is the kind of hyper-active, ultra-productive defender who can “surprise” at the next level despite his less-than-ideal size. He’s effective in a variety of roles, showing terrific quickness, balance and surprising strength to be a factor in run support, coverage and rushing the quarterback. Though he played mostly outside linebacker and defensive end at Wisconsin, Schobert’s instincts and comfort in the pit could allow his future NFL team to experiment with him inside, as well."
Selecting Schobert would immediately upgrade and reinforce the Niners’ depth at outside linebacker and, at best, provide a perfectly good piece opposite Lynch.
The 49ers defense will need it.
Next: Round 5
Round 5
The Pick: QB Vernon Adams Jr., Oregon
5’11”, 195 pounds
The 49ers have three picks in this round: their own, one from a trade with the San Diego Chargers and a likely compensatory selection.
With their first pick in Round 5, the Niners take a flier on Oregon quarterback Vernon Adams Jr.
The tabbing of Chip Kelly as head coach may keep quarterback Colin Kaepernick, and fellow QB Blaine Gabbert for that matter, in a San Francisco uniform for at least one more season. While this possibly rules out the 49ers spending an early pick on a quarterback, it doesn’t mean they’ll avoid one altogether in the draft.
At 5’11” and 195 pounds, questions will certainly focus on Adams’ ability to succeed at the NFL level. But Adams has the same stature and similar skill set to another small-sized quarterback: Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson.
Vernon Adams has that same kind of improvisational playground skill that Russell Wilson & Big Ben have.
— 49x365 | JB & B AMECHI (@49x365) January 28, 2016
Adams is currently projected by CBS Sports as a seventh-round pick or an undrafted free agent. That ranking will certainly climb after his impressive performance in the East West Shrine Game. And it wouldn’t be shocking to see him in Round 5 at all.
So the 49ers look to possibly add a “diamond in the rough” quarterback in the later rounds and, at least, provide some stiff competition to both Kaepernick and Gabbert.
The Pick: RB Aaron Green, TCU
5’11”, 203 pounds
San Francisco doesn’t have an overwhelming need at running back with a (hopefully) healthy Carlos Hyde coming back and backups Mike Davis and DuJuan Harris in the mix. And even running back Jarryd Hayne could be a part of the fray.
But TCU running back Aaron Green would be a nice pickup here and a solid fit for Kelly’s offense. Green posted 40 receptions for 332 yards and five touchdowns at Nebraska and TCU — a span that lasted four seasons. He also rushed for 2,531 net yards over that tenure with 1,272 of them coming in 2015.
Green is awfully elusive and has great open-space agility. While he may not have the ideal frame or power aspect, he at least provides a nice change-of-pace option for the offense.
The Pick: OG Rees Odhiambo, Boise State
6’4″, 305 pounds
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the 49ers spend two picks in back-to-back rounds to upgrade the offensive line — an approach similar to what general manager Trent Baalke did with O-linemen Trent Brown and Ian Silberman last season.
Boise State lineman Rees Odiambo has plenty of injury concerns, which have certainly dropped his draft stock into Round 5. But, when healthy, Odiambo has been about as solid as they come and has the flexibility to play at either the guard or tackle positions, per CBS Sports.
Here’s what CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler wrote about him last August:
"Odhiambo is quick off the snap and finishes through the whistle with strong hands and toughness. He does a nice job keeping his feet squared with his shoulders to mirror in space and, despite bending at the waist too often, Odhiambo stays balanced to anchor at the point of attack."
Odhiambo will likely project as a guard and could serve as a backup at either side — a necessity should the 49ers part ways with veteran left guard Alex Boone via free agency this offseason.
Next: Round 6
Round 6
The Pick: CB Kevon Seymour, USC
6’0″, 185 pounds
San Francisco has a total of four picks in Round 6, which will likely give plenty of trade-up ammunition for general manager Trent Baalke if he elects to go that route. Who knows with this round.
And the 49ers have zero picks in Round 7, so this round would end San Francisco’s draft choices and usher in the undrafted-free agent period.
The Niners may want to do a little restocking of their secondary even though it’s not a pressing need. Cornerbacks Tramaine Brock, Kenneth Acker, Dontae Johnson, Keith Reaser and nickel corner Jimmie Ward already supply good depth at this position.
But a late-round flier on USC corner Kevon Seymour wouldn’t be a bad idea. At 185 pounds, he’s a little undersized to take on some of the bigger-bodied wide receivers he’ll face at the NFL level. And the 49ers will hope his 2014 campaign — 12 passes defended, which was No. 3 in the Pac 12 — is a better indication of what he’ll be doing at the pro level.
The Pick: WR Geronimo Allison, Illinois
6’3″, 197 pounds
The 49ers have already addressed a wide receiver with their first pick. But a prospect like Illinois wideout Geronimo Allison may be too hard to pass up. Plus he has a cool name.
OK, names aside, Allison has a stature ideal to an NFL wideout. And his performance in the East West Shrine Game (two touchdowns on four receptions) adds to his prowess. He totaled 106 receptions for 1,480 yards and eight touchdowns in two seasons at Illinois and could emerge as a red-zone threat if developed nicely.
Here’s what Dane Brugler of CBS Sports wrote about him last month:
"Teams looking to inject some big-play potential at receiver will be sure to consider Allison, a late-blooming vertical threat with the length and athleticism to project as a fourth receiver relatively early in his career and perhaps developing into much more with time."
Allison could be viewed as a possible long-term replacement for a player like wide receiver Quinton Patton if he’s no longer envisioned as part of the 49ers’ plans.
The Pick: DT D.J. Reader, Clemson
6’3″, 340 pounds
The 49ers look to reinforce their defensive line with some additional picks at the back end of the draft, and Clemson defensive tackle D.J. Reader makes a good deal of sense here.
Reader comes with some off-the-field concerns, which certainly dropped his draft stock. But he had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, which could help his cause and earn him a late-round pick on a team needing reinforcement along the D-line.
And the 49ers need such pieces entering 2016.
Statistically, Reader doesn’t offer very much. But he posted five tackles for a loss and three sacks at Clemson back in 2013.
Jamie Newberg of CBS Sports wrote:
"Reader likely lost draft value over the past six months, but gained some momentum back with a good showing at the Senior Bowl in front of the NFL executives and scouts, who will be doing a lot of homework on the reasons he felt like he needed to be away from Clemson. Reader does have versatility and athletic ability to play multiple positions across a front and should slip in to the back end of the draft. Again, that could hinge on what he does leading up to the draft."
Reader would be a depth option and little more. But he would at least provide some added insurance should the 49ers lose out on re-signing nose tackle Ian Williams this offseason.
The Pick: ILB Antonio Morrison, Florida
6’1″, 229 pounds
It’s doubtful Florida linebacker Antonio Morrison drops into Round 6, but CBS Sports projects that to happen in their most-recent analysis. So let’s roll with that and hope it happens.
The 49ers have already filled the inside linebacker spot earlier in the draft with the selection of Scooby Wright. But Wright’s injury concerns may warrant some reinforcements. Morrison would provide that and, if available, he’s simply too good to pass up.
Morrison would be an excellent weakside inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense and compares to San Diego Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman, per NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein.
Zierlein wrote:
"Glass eater who will be the first in line to battle. Morrison’s leadership, toughness and aggressiveness will be exactly what NFL teams want, but his lack of instincts and size are barriers that may always hinder his pro potential. After his knee injury, Morrison’s athleticism wasn’t quite where it was in 2014 so he might be at full strength by 2016. Morrison may be too tight to play outside linebacker in a 4-3 and lacking the instincts to play in the middle. His best fit could be as the WILB in a 3-4 where he figures to be an eventual starter."
At best, Morrison could be a plug-in option for the 49ers defense alongside Pro Bowler NaVorro Bowman. More likely, he’s a serviceable backup capable of spelling in case of an injury.
Next: 5 Senior Bowl Prospects who Impressed During the Game
All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated. Additional draft information courtesy of CBS Sports.