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

Round 5, Pick No. 142

DT Hassan Ridgeway, Texas

Collegiate Statistics

We’ve already covered the concerns with nose tackle Ian Williams heading into 2016 as well as the need to have plenty of depth along the defensive line.

While the 49ers starters along the line seem to be set (Williams, Arik Armstead and Quinton Dial), and even if the team adds Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner, San Francisco could still use some depth to help spell starters and keep them rested opposite head coach Chip Kelly’s offense.

Texas defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway may not be an every-down player — as conditioning and injuries may suggest, per CBS Sports — but the 6’3″, 303-pound lineman is equally competent in defending against the run and establishing a pass rush.

He totaled 108 total tackles with the Longhorns and even posted 9.5 sacks over that same stretch.

Ridgeway would provide the necessary depth with a possibility of emerging as a rotational piece right away.

Round 5, Pick No. 145

OLB Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame

Collegiate Statistics

Had it not been for his gruesome knee injury during the Fiesta Bowl, linebacker Jaylon Smith would have easily been a Round 1 selection during the NFL Draft.

That injury puts Smith’s draft status in limbo. It’s possible the standout linebacker ends up being drafted much, much earlier if a team feels his recovery is coming along well and/or Smith is worth the long-term investment in the first round or two.

On the other hand, injured players may continue to slip deeper into the draft. And it’s possible Smith misses out on his name being called altogether.

If Smith does fall into Round 5 however, the 49ers would be more than wise to use one of their many mid-to-late round picks to select him.

When healthy, Smith is an every-down player capable of being inserted without problem into 3-4 and 4-3 defenses alike, per Dane Brugler and Rob Rang of CBS Sports.

And the 49ers could easily use some help here, both in the short- and long-term projection of their lineup.

Round 5, Pick No. 174

OLB De’Vondre Campbell, Minnesota

Collegiate Statistics

Outside linebacker Aaron Lynch is still ascending, but fellow OLB Ahmad Brooks’ long-term future with the team remains in jeopardy. And it’s more than likely the 49ers would like to phase the veteran, and his hefty contract, out while getting younger and cheaper at the position.

Minnesota linebacker De’Vondre Campbell may not be an elite pass-rusher, but his 6’4″, 232-pound frame appears to look the part of an NFL pass-rusher.

Campbell is pretty raw and will require some work in order to turn him into anything more than a backup linebacker.

The good thing is Campbell is a solid tackler — he posted 92 last season with Minnesota — and has the motor to avoid fatigue and tiring.

If anything, he’d be an upgrade over disappointing outside linebacker Corey Lemonier.

Next: Round 6