2016 49ers Mock NFL Draft With Compensatory Pick Selections
By Rich Madrid
Round 5, Pick 142 from San Diego: Tajae Sharpe, WR, UMASS
The 49ers still need to add some depth at wide receiver, even after adding Charone Peake in the fourth round.
UMass wideout Tajae Sharpe adds size and length that is tough for defenders to defend in all levels of the passing game. His stride is elusive, and he shows great concentration in traffic and on deep routes. He can shake defenders and get open in space quick when he reaches top speed.
Head coach Chip Kelly’s passing game attacks all areas of the field vertically and horizontally, and Sharpe fits this scheme perfectly. He frequently drew double teams, and Kelly’s offense looks to take full advantage by creating those mismatches.
He needs to improve his release at the snap as he does have a tendency to be knocked off his route in press coverage. He also has difficulty shedding tacklers stands to benefit by adding some strength.
OWN PICK, PICK 145: Spencer Drango, OT, BAYLOR
Even if the 49ers add guard Joshua Garnett, there are still questions about the talent and depth of the offensive line.
Offensive tackle Anthony Davis isn’t a lock to come back from retirement and start for this team. And, as of today, the 49ers still carry Jordan Devey and Erik Pears on the roster — the two combining to be some of the worst guard/tackle combinations in the league last season. Trent Brown is a solid tackle on the right side of the line and adding Spencer Drango, who many think will move to guard in the NFL, could be a good scheme fit due to his experience in Baylor’s spread offense.
He’s versatile and can add much needed depth on the offensive line. Drango was also USA Today First Team All-American and a four-year starter for Baylor. He loves to mash defenders and is a bully in the run game, which Kelly loves. He plays best in space in a zone-running game with an equally solid base in pass protection.
His lack of quickness and use of his arms/hands have caused his draft stock to fall. 49ers offensive line coach Mike Solari will most likely be able to develop this prospect into a decent addition to the line.
COMPENSATORY PICK, Pick 174: T.J. Green, FS, CLEMSON:
With the rumors that the 49ers are reportedly looking to trade safety Antoine Bethea, the 49ers could be in need of drafting for depth. The addition of Jaquaski Tartt in the 2015 draft, and fellow safety Eric Reid two years earlier, gives them a solid corps of safeties that are hard hitting in the pass and run games. Questions surround Reid’s health every season since being drafted, due to the concussions he suffered as a rookie, and the 49ers will need a safety valve at the position, should Reid find himself out for any period of time.
Clemson free safety T.J. Green turned in a 4.34 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and his highlight reel is chock full of plays of him chasing down the ball-carrier from behind, breaking up passes while running stride for stride with receivers and making some big hits. The former receiver is best in man coverage with his size and speed. He does have trouble with open-field tackling, positioning and was credited with 17 missed tackles.
He also only has one year of experience at the safety position.
Next: Round 6