Full San Francisco 49ers Primer for the 2016 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
Seven-Round Mock Draft
San Francisco has 12 picks in the draft, which opens up the door for possible trades and/or transactions. But let’s assume the 49ers stay put with each pick for now. How will general manager Trent Baalke’s draft plan play out?
Round 1, Pick No. 7: QB Jared Goff, Cal
The 49ers provide the answer to their quarterbacking controversy by adding Bay Area native Jared Goff out of Cal. San Francisco has the option to let Goff develop for a year, while head coach Chip Kelly tries to get the most out of incumbent quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert and/or Colin Kaepernick.
Round 2, Pick No. 37: WR Josh Doctson, TCU
San Francisco needs playmakers, and addressing the wide receiver position is a top priority with veteran target Anquan Boldin still unsigned. He’ll be 36 years old in October anyway, so the 49ers need a player who can complement Torrey Smith on the outside.
Round 3, Pick No. 68: T Jerald Hawkins, LSU
Will right tackle Anthony Davis return from retirement? Will he be in game-ready shape? At any rate, San Francisco needs offensive line help, and LSU tackle Jerald Hawkins provides that. A natural left tackle, Hawkins could be a long-term option to replace aging veteran Joe Staley. But Hawkins has the flexibility to play at both tackle positions. He could be a valuable swing tackle during his developmental period with long-term prospects to start.
Round 4, Pick No. 105: OLB Jordan Jenkins, Georgia
The 49ers need pass-rushing help, so turning to Georgia edge-rusher Jordan Jenkins could help supplement what has been an anemic pass rush for San Francisco. Jenkins was featured in such a role in Georgia’s 3-4 defense and posted four sacks and 12 quarterback hits in 2015. With a strong defensive line to support him, Jenkins may be a nice piece to complement fellow outside linebacker Aaron Lynch in the pass rush.
Round 4, Pick No. 133 (compensatory): ILB Scooby Wright III, Arizona
San Francisco may be taking a risk with injured inside linebacker Scooby Wright, who missed the majority of 2015 due to a left knee injury. But the 2014 consensus All-American has the tackling instincts and capability to remind Niner fans of former 49ers inside linebacker Chris Borland. At best, Wright would be the perfect piece to play alongside Pro Bowl linebacker NaVorro Bowman.
Round 5, Pick No. 142 (trade with San Diego): DT Hassan Ridgeway, Texas
Ian Williams’ ankle injury is a concern, and depth along the defensive line may be worrisome in 2016. Texas defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway may not be an every-down player, but he provides ample depth and flexibility in a 3-4 scheme.
Round 5, Pick No. 145: CB James Bradberry, Samford
The 49ers’ selection of small-school safety Jaquiski Tartt in 2015 is backed up by another Samford product in cornerback James Bradberry. The 6’1″, 211-pound prospect is a solid fit in zone-coverage schemes and has the physicality to match.
Round 5, Pick No. 174 (compensatory): OLB De’Vondre Campbell, Minnesota
Minnesota outside linebacker De’Vondre Campbell is more of a tackler than a pass-rusher. But he did register a collegiate-career high four sacks last season and rounded out his three-year tenure at Minnesota with 206 tackles. Tackling fundamentals were a problem for San Francisco’s defense last season, so Campbell would help rectify this problem.
Round 6, Pick No. 178 (trade with Dallas): ILB Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame
Linebacker Jaylon Smith could have been a top-10 draft pick had it not been for the gruesome injury that capped off his collegiate career on New Year’s Day during the Fiesta Bowl.
Smith’s injury could mean he falls well out of the first half of rounds in the draft. And if teams feel he’s not worth the risk, perhaps he goes undrafted altogether. But with six picks in the round, San Francisco can afford to take a gamble on this low-risk, high-reward player.
Round 6, Pick No. 207 (trade with Denver): G Joe Dahl, Washington State
It’s becoming clear interior offensive linemen Marcus Martin and Brandon Thomas aren’t panning out at the pro level, so expect at least one late-round pick to be used to upgrade and reinforce the offensive line. Washington State guard Joe Dahl has great quickness, hands and technique to ensure he’ll at least compete for immediate depth along the line.
Round 6, Pick No. 211 (compensatory): DE Aziz Shittu, Stanford
While the 49ers likely have their starters in place along the D-line (Williams, Arik Armstead and Quinton Dial), adding depth will be critical to offset the fast tempo of Kelly’s offense. Northern California native Aziz Shittu provides this both as a pass-rusher and run-stopping defensive tackle.
Round 6, Pick No. 213 (compensatory): WR De’Runnya Wilson, Mississippi State
Adding just one wide receiver may not be enough to supplement the 49ers’ offensive concerns here. So Mississippi State wideout De’Runnya Wilson may be an intriguing late-round target. At 6’5″ and 224 pounds, he at least provides some thought towards becoming a red-zone threat — an element the Niners clearly need.
Next: Wrapping It Up