2016 NFL Draft: Complete Mock for 49ers in Each Round

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Nov 21, 2015; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson (99) reacts after recovering Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Nate Sudfeld (7) (not pictured) fumble during the first quarter at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 5 (from San Diego): Quinton Jefferson, DT, Maryland

The 49ers missed Justin Smith and Ray McDonald on the defensive line last season. Arik Armstead looked promising in small doses and Tank Carradine always seems on the verge of breaking out, but even if both players take strides next season, the 49ers lack depth.

Enter Jefferson, who played 3-4 defensive end in 2013 and 2013 before moving to 4-3 defensive tackle last season. Jefferson can disrupt at the point of attack and get penetration—for a 3-4 end, he has above-average pass-rushing skills. He’s not as powerful as you’d like, ideally, but he has the makings of a rotational end, especially if he gets moved back into a 3-4 defense like the 49ers run.

He did miss most of 2014 with a torn ACL, and then played 2015 in a different position, so there’s some question marks about his ability to jump back to the outside. He’s a perfect fit for the 3-technique, however, and the father of three could easily find a spot on an NFL roster.

Other players considered:

Joe Dahl, OG, Washington State
Jason Hargrave, DT, South Carolina State
Nick Vigil, ILB, Utah State

Next: Round 5: Can't Have Enough Offensive Linemen