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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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Feb 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Carolina Central defensive back Ryan Smith goes through a workout drill during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Carolina Central defensive back Ryan Smith goes through a workout drill during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 5, Pick 145: Ryan Smith, CB, North Carolina Central

North Carolina Central is not a hotbed for NFL talent. They’ve had just one player drafted since the 1980s—Greg Peterson in the fifth round in 2007. They have, however, produced a number of solid defensive backs, and Ryan Smith might be the next in that line.

At 5’11”, Smith projects as a slot corner in the NFL. He has smooth footwork, and can work in both man and zone coverage. He has good ball skills, intercepting seven passes and breaking up 24 more in college, while also setting the school record with 168 solo tackles. His speed—he ran a solid 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the combine—footwork and cover skills means he can match up against smaller slot receivers all day long. I don’t think he’ll ever develop into a full-time shutdown corner or anything but he’d be a great value in the fifth round.

Other players considered:

  • Javon Hargrave, DT, South Carolina State
  • Jason Fanaika, DE, Utah
  • Keivarae Russell, CB, Notre Dame

Next: Round 5, Pick 174