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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 6, Pick 178 from Dallas: Blake Martinez, ILB, STANFORD

Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal linebacker Blake Martinez (4) during the NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal linebacker Blake Martinez (4) during the NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

As previously noted, the 49ers have immediate needs at inside linebacker. Blake Martinez of Stanford provides a toughness that reminds me of former linebacker Chris Borland. A linebacker who isn’t afraid to stick his nose in the pile and make a tackle, Martinez combines his toughness with instincts to sniff the play out.

Martinez frequently plays square to the line of scrimmage and never takes his eyes of the ball-carrier. He has the discipline and patience to close cutback lanes and skillfully splits second-level blockers reminiscent of Borland. His weaknesses include his lack of quickness and average awareness of zone responsibilities in the pass, though it’s unlikely he’d find himself on the field on passing downs.

Next: Round 6 Pick 207 and 211