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2016 NFL Draft: Round 1 Big Board for the San Francisco 49ers

By Peter Panacy

Feb 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; California quarterback Jared Goff speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; California quarterback Jared Goff speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Calvin Pryor (Louisville) shakes hands with Roger Goodell after being selected as the number eighteen overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the New York Jets at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Calvin Pryor (Louisville) shakes hands with Roger Goodell after being selected as the number eighteen overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the New York Jets at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

The San Francisco 49ers own the No. 7 pick in the 2016 NFL draft. General manager Trent Baalke could go one of several different ways with the team’s first pick. So how should the team’s first-round big board look for draft day?

The San Francisco 49ers are a team with plenty of needs, a lot of salary cap space, as many as 12 picks and the No. 7 selection in the upcoming 2016 NFL draft.

Each one of these factors will affect what general manager Trent Baalke will want to do when the Niners’ number is called in Round 1 of the draft. With so many needs across the board, Baalke can elect to simply grab the best player available.

And there should be plenty of top-tier talent available at No. 7.

But how will the 49ers spend their first selection on draft day? Will San Francisco go with what many draft analysts are predicting — a rookie quarterback in Round 1? Or will Baalke stick to his defensive history and look to take advantage of a top-tier defender with the first pick?

It’s impossible to say. And it’s a scenario that will change when NFL free agency kicks off on March 9.

For now, let’s take a look at what the Niners’ big board should look like in Round 1. We’ll evaluate a total of five players who may be on the board when San Francisco is to select at No. 7. And, for the purpose of clarity, there won’t be any trade-down/up scenarios here.

Each prospect has to fill a specific need. And the 49ers have plenty of them. And the rankings will be in order from atop the big board down to the fifth player.

Let’s start off by crossing off Mississippi offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and Florida State cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Those two are assuredly going to be off the board with the first two picks barring any unforeseen circumstances. Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa is probably going to be a top-four pick as well.

So let’s get down to business with five players who should don the Niners big board in Round 1.

Next: Option 1: QB Jared Goff