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2016 NFL Draft: Five Sleeper Picks for the 49ers

By Jerod Brown

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler throws a pass during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler throws a pass during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Cody Kessler-Quarterback-University of Southern California

College Statistics

Cody Kessler isn’t the most exciting quarterback in this class. He certainly has plenty of work to do. The 49ers could determine that selecting one of the top quarterbacks in this class at number seven overall is too hefty of a price. They could easily determine that DeForest Buckner is the best selection. Niner Noise writer Rich Madrid would likely agree.

If they decide to pass on a quarterback at number seven, Trent Baalke could take a look at University of Southern California quarterback Cody Kessler.

Kessler doesn’t have a particularly strong arm and he’ll struggle to fit throws into tight NFL windows. He especially struggles when balance and footwork issues arise.

However, the things that Kessler does well could be exploited in head coach Chip Kelly’s offense. This is not to say that Kessler wouldn’t need time to develop, but that the traits he offers might project well in what Kelly likes to do.

Bleacher Report’s lead NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller recently released his quarterback rankings as part of his NFL400 series. He ranks Kessler as the 13th overall quarterback in this class but the positives are interesting to note:

"An accurate quarterback in a pro-style offense, Kessler holds the Trojans record for career completion percentage (67.5) and has torched opponents on underneath routes. He’s a smart, conservative passer who never threw more than seven interceptions in a season."

Kelly prefers short-to-intermediate accuracy and ball security. Nick Foles was able to excel in Kelly’s system by managing turnovers and giving wide receivers accurate passes to make plays on.

If the 49ers opt to wait on a quarterback, Kessler is a name that could start to creep up in the fifth or sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Kessler would be a low-risk option to develop while Kelly attempts to maximize the potential of current quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick.

Next: Beefing Up the Offensive Line