Predicting Risers & Fallers at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine

Andrew Billings-Defensive Tackle-Baylor University

The 49ers will have a decision to make in free agency regarding their impressive nose tackle Ian Williams. We’ve talked about the 49ers options in free agency and re-signing Williams should be high on the list of priorities.

If, for some reason, the team elects not to re-sign Williams, they may quickly fall in love with Andrew Billings, a defensive tackle from Baylor University.

Billings is just a junior and elected to forego his senior season to enter the draft. He’ll enter the 2016 NFL Draft class as one of the best defensive tackle prospects available in a loaded class. He’s a big boy–6’1” and 310 pounds–and he moves impressively well.

Pay attention to the play he makes at the 1:10 mark. He shows impressive quickness and athleticism for a man his size.

CBSSports’ Dane Brugler put together a scouting report on Billings. If given an opportunity to learn from high-quality NFL coaches, this young man could become a dominant nose tackle in a 3-4 defense.

In addition to his athleticism, Billings has elite strength that makes him a load in the middle. He routinely occupies double-teams, the primary goal for a nose tackle in an odd front defense.

Billings will impress at the combine because of his size, strength and athleticism. It is safe to say that he’ll be a riser on many boards, including the 49ers should they decide to let Williams sign elsewhere.

The 49ers likely could move back from the seventh overall pick or package later picks to move back into Round 1 if they choose to target Billings. He may not make it out of the first round but he won’t go in the Top-10.

In an impressive defensive line group, Billings is already beginning to generate major buzz leading up to the Scouting Combine.

Next: A Slight Drop From the Top