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2016 49ers Mock NFL Draft With Compensatory Pick Selections

By Rich Madrid

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Round 3, Pick 68: Kentrell Brothers, ILB, MISSOURI

Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Missouri Tigers linebacker Kentrell Brothers runs the 40 yard dash during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Missouri Tigers linebacker Kentrell Brothers runs the 40 yard dash during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

The departure of linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland via retirement left a major void in the second level defenders of the 49ers defense last offseason. General manager Trent Baalke failed to plan accordingly and drafted one linebacker (Eli Harold) in the third round. The 49ers also acquired Gerald Hodges from the Vikings shortly after the season started. NaVorro Bowman was coming off major surgery and had not played a down since the 2013 season. The 49ers released Aldon Smith, and Ahmad Brooks proved to be more of a liability — drawing unnecessary penalties every game.

This year, they should be looking to add some depth and talent to a relatively depleted corps.

Missouri inside linebacker Kentrell Brothers is a proven inside linebacker. The USA Today Second Team All-American led the nation in tackles per game in 2014 (12.7/game, 152 total) and has the vision and instinct to make up for a lack of speed. While he lacks the speed to cover faster slot receivers downfield, he likely wouldn’t be asked to cover those assignments in defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil’s pattern match scheme, as detailed here and here. He is a solid run game defender and in pass defense.

His NFL draft profile has this to say:

"Brothers recognizes plays quickly, works his way through traffic, and flows down the line very effectively as a run-stopper…. Sniffs out play-action and immediately looks for his coverage responsibility. Reads quarterbacks’ clues to where pass is headed. Rarely busts in coverage responsibilities."

A position of need, the 49ers should add Brothers.

Next: Round 4