5 Prospects the 49ers Should Watch at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine

Jaylon Smith-Inside Linebacker-Notre Dame

Patrick Willis’ sudden retirement might have been the most painful of all of the recent 49ers’ departures. Willis became a mainstay in the middle of the 49er defense from the moment he was drafted.

While the team struggled, Willis lead by example as one of the best linebackers in the league. As the team improved, Willis only raised his play and became a clear leader in the locker room and on the field.

Needless to say, the loss of Willis last season was noticeable. Both Michael Wilhoite and Gerald Hodges had an opportunity to replace Willis up the middle and, although filling those shoes is a tall task for any player, it was clear that the difference between Willis and his replacements was tremendous.

If the 49ers aren’t settled on Wilhoite or Hodges as starters, they should look at Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith very carefully. Smith starred for the Notre Dame defense and was projected as one of the top picks in the draft before an injury in the Fiesta Bowl ended his season.

There are few questions about Smith’s ability on the field. Prior to his injury, he was seen as one of the best prospects in this draft. He still is. On a conference call earlier this week, NFL Network’s Mike Mayock gave his opinion on Smith as a prospect.

The 49ers’ team doctors will huddle in crowded rooms with doctors from other teams to evaluate Smith’s recovery and determine if and when he’ll be ready to play in 2016. The 49ers could have an opportunity to draft Smith at number seven overall if they believe that his knee is healing cleanly.

Fans watched Willis control and command the defense for years. Smith might be the closest possible replacement to Willis in recent years. He’s already being compared favorably to a top linebacker in the NFL.

The 49ers need to find an adequate player to step in alongside linebacker NaVorro Bowman moving forward. Bowman, despite playing well last season, is still recovering from his own horrific knee injury. With the amount of snaps that the 49ers defense could play next season, it will be crucial to find players capable of giving Bowman a break.

If not for the knee injury, the 49ers wouldn’t even be in the discussion for Smith. But, they may have a chance to grab him at seventh and will have to pay close attention to the knee in Indianapolis.

The weekend in Indianapolis will be the first major test for incoming rookies. They’ll spend hours sitting around just before being expected to perform at the highest level. The grueling mental process is almost for difficult than the on-field workouts.

If players are invited to the Scouting Combine, they can play football. But can they stand out against some of the best? Whether they excel in interviews, have clean health or explode through drills, players have to find a way to stand out.

Similarly, the 49ers will need to isolate specific prospects that they need more information on. While they will send scouts to evaluate anybody performing, they will have a list of guys to see and hear more from. If they are doing their homework, these guys will be on their list of must-watch prospects.

Next: 5 Realistic Free Agents 49ers Should Target

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and ESPN Statistics unless otherwise indicated.