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2016 NFL Draft: Complete 7-Round Mock for the San Francisco 49ers

By Peter Panacy

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Sep 19, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats linebacker Scooby Wright III (33) walks on the sideline before the game against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats linebacker Scooby Wright III (33) walks on the sideline before the game against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4, Pick No. 105

ILB Scooby Wright III, Arizona

Collegiate Statistics

Getting strong up the middle of the Niners defense will be paramount if the team wishes to return to its strong defense prowess enjoyed not that long ago.

Pro Bowl linebacker NaVorro Bowman needs some help alongside him in the 49ers 3-4 defensive scheme. And it’s clear after last season linebacker Michael Wilhoite is not going to be a long-term answer here.

Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright might have been a first-round pick had it not been for the torn meniscus he suffered last year, which limited the 6’0″, 239-pound prospect to just three games in 2015. In 2014, Wright posted an NCAA-leading 164 tackles and was equally impressive with 15 sacks that year.

Rob Rang of CBS Sports compared Wright to former 49ers inside linebacker Chris Borland — a player equally impressive in tackling technique and football smarts.

Now the injury concerns with Wright are an issue. But if he is fully recovered from those setbacks, Wright could end up being a steal for San Francisco in Round 4.

Jan 27, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad wide receiver Charone Peake of Clemson (9) catches a pass against South squad defensive back James Bradberry of Samford (25) during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad wide receiver Charone Peake of Clemson (9) catches a pass against South squad defensive back James Bradberry of Samford (25) during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4, Pick No. 133

CB James Bradberry, Samford

Collegiate Statistics

The 49ers have lacked a true shutdown corner for some time now, and while No. 1 corner Tramaine Brock holds the top stead on the Niners depth chart, he’s more of a No. 2 corner.

In reality, San Francisco’s crop of cornerbacks are more Nos. 2 and 3 guys rather than top-tier starters.

Samford cornerback James Bradberry may not be the type of player who emerges into a top cornerback in the league. But the former collegiate teammate of current Niners safety Jaquiski Tartt could offer up the same level of physicality.

At 6’1″ and 211 pounds, Bradberry has the size NFL scouts covet for the position. General manager Trent Baalke and head coach Chip Kelly do as well.

Bradberry’s coverage skills will need some work, and he’ll likely struggle in this regard early on during his pro career — not unlike many young and developing defensive backs. But he would have the potential to emerge as a starting corner and could be an immediate upgrade over depth corners like Keith Reaser.

Next: Round 5