2016 NFL Draft: Complete 7-Round Mock for the San Francisco 49ers
By Peter Panacy
Round 1, Pick No. 7
DE DeForest Buckner, Oregon
Yes, the 49ers should pass on a quarterback with their first pick in the NFL Draft. If anything, the Super Bowl 50-winning Denver Broncos proved a formidable defense can be more important than drafting the next big quarterback.
Fortunately, San Francisco has some nice pieces in place on this side of the ball. But the Niners need more.
Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner has a higher ceiling than former teammate, and 49ers former first-round pick, Arik Armstead. And it’s worth envisioning a defensive line book-ended by both Buckner and Armstead in 2016.
One of the things separating Buckner from Armstead is the former’s ability to rush the passer. While Armstead may develop into a nice pocket-wrecking force, Buckner has already shown the capability to bring down quarterbacks. He posted 18 sacks during his collegiate tenure with 10.5 of these coming last season.
The need is there as well. Nose tackle Ian Williams’ ankle injury creates problems for long-term depth along the D-line. 2015 marked the only time Williams was fully healthy for an entire season. And with his health in doubt, it makes sense the 49ers reworked his contract into a one-year deal.
Even if Williams is healthy for Week 1, head coach Chip Kelly’s uptempo offense will tax the defense. So having a solid rotation along the D-line will be paramount.
Better yet, Buckner is the type of player around which a defense can build for years to come.
Next: Round 2