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2016 NFL Draft: Good Picks vs. Bad Picks for the San Francisco 49ers

By Peter Panacy

Sep 6, 2014; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) on the sidelines during the fourth quarter in a game against the Sacramento State Hornets at Memorial Stadium. California won 55-14. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 6, 2014; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) on the sidelines during the fourth quarter in a game against the Sacramento State Hornets at Memorial Stadium. California won 55-14. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Good Fit: Outside Linebacker Darron Lee, Ohio State

Collegiate Statistics

In a similar mold and physique to UCLA’s Myles Jack, Ohio State’s Darron Lee would be a good fit for San Francisco based on value alone.

Per CBS Sports, Lee is projected as the 12th overall prospect, which would mean the 49ers would likely trade down from the No. 7 spot to entertain the value and net some additional draft picks in return.

It’s a thought mentioned by Chris Biderman of NinersWire.com:

Niner Noise staff writer Nicholas McGee also made a similar argument:

"Lee may not have the same buzz as Jack but has a similar athletic makeup, extremely impressive speed, strong production with 146 tackles, 27 for a loss and 11 sacks in two seasons, and – perhaps most importantly for the Niners – has shown proficiency in coverage. The 49ers need someone to depend on at inside linebacker to take the pressure off Bowman and give them a duo that teams fear once again. Lee is a player with all-round skill set to do that and, if the 49ers see nobody they like at No. 7, San Francisco should look to do a deal with the Giants or another team to move back and get an excellent value pick in the former Buckeye."

So, if the 49ers are looking to address this defensive need early, Lee would provide more than enough value and at the right price.

True, Lee is better suited for a 4-3 defense — just like Jack — but he has demonstrated similar flexibility to move to the outside. And it’s feasible to have him occupy the inside position, as McGee suggested.

Better value is the name of the game here.

Next: Bad Fit: WR Laquon Treadwell