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2016 NFL Draft: Round-by-Round Mock for 49ers

By Bryan Knowles

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on 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 podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Shon Coleman (72) against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Shon Coleman (72) against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4, Pick 105: Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn

I can see the papers now if the 49ers go the first two days without drafting a single offensive lineman. What’s the point, they’ll say, of drafting a shiny new franchise quarterback if you don’t provide help to keep him upright and injury-free? The 49ers allowed 53 sacks last year and 52 the year before; something has to be done. We’re taking the fourth round to build up some depth on the line to try to fix those terrible numbers.

Shon Coleman is a player who could come in and start as a rookie, even if he’s a likely day three pick. At 6’5”, 307 pounds, Coleman is a physical monster. He has a very powerful upper body, driving defenders back and creating space, especially in the run game. He can move out to the second level and deliver blows, aggressively looking for someone to target and take out of a play. He’s not as athletic as you’d like, but he can work in space as a right tackle. Coleman has the possibility to be a beast.

So what’s he doing down in the fourth round? Health concerns. Ignore the slight MCL tear that kept him out of the Combine and his pro day; that’s a relatively minor thing that should be a distant memory by the time training camp starts. Coleman’s overcome much worse—he’s 25 right now, because he had to miss two years in college, as he was busy beating back acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

He’s older than your average rookie, but the mental toughness and perseverance he’s shown getting back onto the football field is tremendous. I’d draft him and pencil him in to the competition at right tackle—he’s a bit boom-or-bust, but that’s well worth the risk in the fourth round.

Other players considered:

  • Isaac Seumalo, C, Oregon State
  • Le’Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech
  • Graham Glasgow, C, Michigan

Next: Round 4, Pick 133