2016 NFL Draft: 5 Bold Predictions for the San Francisco 49ers

49ers Don’t Draft a Quarterback at All

Wait, what?

Hey, you wanted bold, right? So how bold is it to suggest San Francisco avoids drafting a quarterback in this year’s draft?

Cross off high-level quarterbacking prospects off your list. Let’s go with the bold assumption the 49ers use their first pick or two to address other areas of need. And we can even forget about a mid-round pick being tabbed for a new signal-caller to be developed in Santa Clara.

But what about a late-round pick? Perhaps a guy like Oregon QB Vernon Adams would be a nice developmental piece for the Niners to add.

Well, here’s what makes this a bold assessment and why.

San Francisco already has two starting-caliber quarterbacks on its roster. Colin Kaepernick hasn’t been dealt yet, and Blaine Gabbert has already shown he can be effective, if not stellar, under center.

This creates enough competition for the starting job, one would assume. Kaepernick would likely have one last chance to resurrect his career under the tutelage of head coach Chip Kelly regardless whether or not Kap wants to remain with the franchise.

And the Niners have already made it clear they’re willing to bench Kaepernick in favor of Gabbert, albeit under a different coaching regime.

Here’s the main point: 2016 is only the beginning of what should be viewed as a long-term rebuilding process. Getting a bona fide answer under center may not happen this year at all. But fixing other areas of need could easily be seen as more pressing.

Next: 49ers Trade Out of Round 1 Entirely