Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 10 Pros Who Could Lose Jobs to 2016 NFL Draft Prospects

By Peter Panacy

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Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) walks on the field before the start of the game against the St. Louis Rams at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) walks on the field before the start of the game against the St. Louis Rams at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick

You knew this was coming, right?

We couldn’t have a roster-spot-in-danger piece without mentioning embattled quarterback Colin Kaepernick. And, with all the rumors and speculation going around about his future in San Francisco, it’s only fitting to assume the 49ers’ draft plans will affect what happens with Kap this season.

Kaepernick could still wind up with the Denver Broncos in 2016 even if current contract obstacles remain in the way.

Who knows? Things can change in a hurry.

Regardless, the 49ers may be looking to draft a quarterback in the NFL Draft regardless if Kaepernick is in a Niner uniform this season. They already have fellow QB Blaine Gabbert under contract for one more year, and the thought process would be 2016 being a year for a rookie quarterback to be groomed at the pro level.

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And yet this may be precisely the reason why Kaepernick’s roster spot is in jeopardy — in the long term, perhaps, if not right away.

Should the 49ers be looking for a new franchise quarterback, and many indications lead us to believe they are, Kaepernick’s job as a starter will have a very finite time limit.

That time may have already passed anyway. At least in San Francisco.

There is a notion Kaepernick could thrive under head coach Chip Kelly, as discussed in the video below.

Plus, rookie quarterbacks — even the most promising ones — don’t always work out (you can go ahead and throw in your Jim Druckenmiller and/or Ryan Leaf commentary here).

So even if the 49ers land Cal quarterback, and Bay Area native, Jared Goff or target someone like Michigan State’s Connor Cook, there’s no guarantee either prospect will be a bona fide stud at the next level.

Still, Kap’s job doesn’t appear totally safe if the 49ers want to turn the page on their franchise signal-caller.

Next: NFL Draft: The 49ers Shouldn't Trade Up to No. 1 Overall

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.