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2016 NFL Draft: 5 Late-Round Prospects the 49ers Should Target

By Bryan Knowles

Aaron Lynch is a recent example of a great late-round draft pick. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Lynch is a recent example of a great late-round draft pick. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Trevone Boykin (2) avoids the pressure by West Virginia Mountaineers linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (35) during the second half of a game at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Trevone Boykin (2) avoids the pressure by West Virginia Mountaineers linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (35) during the second half of a game at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Nick Kwiatkoski, ILB, West Virginia

The 49ers are still trying to replace the departed Patrick Willis next to NaVorro Bowman. If they find themselves passing and passing until their final picks in the sixth round, West Virginia’s Nick Kwiatkoski might be someone they can develop to eventually take that role.

Kwiatkoski transitioned from safety to linebacker moving to college, where he played three different linebacker positions. That means he’s got coverage range and versatility to work in a variety of different looks and packages. In the past three seasons, he totaled up 275 tackles, with explosive athleticism allowing him to drive through his targets. He’s also very good in pass defense, with six career interceptions and 10 passes defensed.

His relatively slim frame and questionable power will drop him on most teams’ draft boards, but at the very least, I see him being a ball-seeking missile on special teams. I really do think he has the potential to be a solid depth linebacker, with an outside chance of becoming a regular starter if he continues to show the work ethic and leadership he brought to West Virginia.

Next: A Developing Lineman