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2016 NFL Draft: 5 Risky Picks the 49ers Should Avoid

By Jerod Brown

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell takes a photo with draft prospects in attendance before the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell takes a photo with draft prospects in attendance before the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks offensive tackle Brandon Shell (71) blocks Florida Gators defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard (90) during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks offensive tackle Brandon Shell (71) blocks Florida Gators defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard (90) during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Brandon Shell-Offensive Tackle-South Carolina

The 49ers may have gotten a guarantee from former right tackle Anthony Davis that he is returning, but a year away from football counts for something. Whether the team expects Davis to pick up where he left off or not, it would be foolish not to introduce another tackle into the mix.

Competition, especially along the offensive line, is never a bad thing.

After watching the horrendous line play of 2015, it seems like a good bet that the 49ers will select an offensive tackle with one of their many picks. The top two tackles in the draft–Notre Dame’s Ronnie Stanley and Ole Miss’ Laremy Tunsil–could see their names called before the 49ers even have a chance to do so at number seven.

Should they miss out on either Tunsil or Stanley, they’ll look later for a tackle worth taking.

Brandon Shell, a tackle from the University of South Carolina, is massive. He’s 6’6” and over 320 pounds. He recently turned 24 years old and will enter the NFL as a grown man.

The 49ers, however enamored they may be by the size of Shell, should avoid drafting him.

Shell played in the East West Shrine Game and had a solid week of practice. He even managed to stand out to NFL Network’s Draft Guru Mike Mayock.

Shell has professional bloodlines–he’s the nephew of former player Art Shell–and his development has been aided by his return to SC as a fifth-year senior.

There aren’t many reasons for the 49ers to immediately write Shell off. He’s big, strong and ready to take the leap to the NFL.

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However, a credible source with knowledge of the 49ers’ plans recently told me that the team has already taken University of South Carolina players off of their boards after having difficulties with recent draftees from the school.

The 49ers already have plenty of SC players sitting on their roster that they’re waiting to perform. Tight end Busta Anderson, running back Mike Davis and wide receiver Bruce Ellington are current guys. Throw in running back Marcus Lattimore and the nuisance that was cornerback Chris Culliver and it’s easy to see why the team might feel burnt.

So, it may not be that the 49ers should avoid Shell, but that they already have decided they will avoid him.

Those sentiments could prove prudent in avoiding more headaches. They might also leave the team wishing they could’ve looked past the logo on the helmet.

Shell will be drafted, but it won’t be by the 49ers.

Next: Finding a Fit