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San Francisco 49ers: High-Risk, High-Reward Prospects in 2016 NFL Draft

By Jerod Brown

January 26, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of Levi's Stadium during a field preparation press conference prior to Super Bowl 50. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 26, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of Levi's Stadium during a field preparation press conference prior to Super Bowl 50. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Wrapping Up

The 49ers will likely have many opportunities to select these players in the 2016 NFL Draft. I suspect that one, if not more, will end up on the 49ers roster in August.

The 49ers have the benefit of multiple picks in late rounds that help erase some of the fear taking developmental players. They have the needs on a young roster that make choosing almost any position seem reasonable. The general manager recognizes that his job is now heavily-scrutinized and he needs an exceptional draft to remain in his position for much longer.

Those factors create an April draft that is loaded with purpose and meaning for the 49ers. They aren’t a player or two away from competing. The team needs multiple players to come in and start making an impact immediately. To select those players, Trent Baalke may have to accept more risk than the team has in recent years.

The players listed each offer something different to the 49ers. Nkemdiche might be the next 3-technique defensive lineman to occupy blockers for outside linebacker Aaron Lynch. Scooby Wright could be the turnover machine that this defense needs. Vernon Adams could be the quarterback to settle into head coach Chip Kelly’s system. Spence may be the next dominant edge defender in the league. And Jaylon Smith could be Patrick Willis 2.0.

All of these players will entice teams at some point in the draft. Is Trent Baalke willing to take the risk associated with each to gamble on the reward? He may have to if he wants to save his job.

Next: Carson Wentz shines in Pro Day

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