2016 NFL Draft: 7-Round Mock for 49ers After Start of Free Agency
By Rob Lowder
Round 5 – Pick 142 (2015 Draft day trade)
The Pick: Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentucky
Other Option: Tyler Ervin, RB, SJSU
The 49ers group of tight ends is intriguing. It is not necessarily devoid of talent as much as it is experience. Garret Celek, as indicated by his extension this offseason, looks to assume the role of the primary tight end.
Behind Celek, it is an open competition.
While Vance McDonald should be the easy choice, he has shown his catching ability is unreliable, at best. Blake Bell will need another year to grow into the role and Rory “Busta” Anderson will be looking to climb the depth chart after being placed on injured reserve for the 2015 season.
Adding Western Kentucky’s Tyler Higbee would up the competition at tight end significantly. Higbee is huge, athletic and has already shown a great knack for catching the ball.
If Higbee is not available, perhaps Tyler Ervin still is. Either prospect would provide significant offensive depth with the possibility of finding a starting role.
Round 5 – Pick 145
The Pick: James Bradberry, CB, Samford
Other Option: Fahn Cooper, OT, Ole Miss
If the 49ers have managed to make every pick up until this point then they have yet to address the cornerback position.
James Bradberry from Samford would be another one of Baalke’s late round finds at CB. He would also be reuniting Bradberry with former teammate and 2015 second-round pick, JaQuiski Tartt.
Bradberry is an imposing corner at 6’1″, 210 pounds. He excels in press coverage, using his size to his advantage. He struggles to recover when beat, but with NFL-caliber coaching, could develop into a starter at both cornerback or safety.
Fahn Cooper of Ole Miss would also be a value selection at this point. Competition among the offensive line group will be essential this offseason and depth at the tackle position is just as important.
Round 5 – Pick 174 (Compensatory)
The Pick: Romeo Okwara, OLB, Notre Dame
Other Option: DJ Reader, DT, Clemson
If you feel like you have enough pass rushers, add one more.
Romeo Okwara of Notre Dame is not without fault but presents a very intriguing project. He’s stiff and does not present the fluidity you would expect at the OLB position, but his measurables are through the roof. Height, weight, long arms and large hands, Baalke may see Okwara as untapped potential.
Perhaps the more intriguing pick is DJ Reader from Clemson. The only reason it didn’t take priority of Okwara is the selection of DT Sheldon Day earlier in the fourth round.
Reader is very athletic for his size, and given his limited playing time last season, still managed an invitation to the senior bowl where he impressed.
DJ spent half of the season dealing with his own personal issues, which is why he is under consideration at the end of the 5th round. If Baalke sees these concerns as negligible, Reader may be a target even earlier in the draft.
Next: Round 6