2016 NFL Draft: Complete 49ers Mock for All Rounds

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Nov 22, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Ryan Buchanan (9) looks to pass as offensive lineman Fahn Cooper (74) blocks and Arkansas Razorbacks defensive end JaMichael Winston (6) pursues during first half action at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4 Pick 7 (No. 105 Overall)

The Pick: OT Fahn Cooper, Ole Miss

The 49ers’ protection issues were well documented in 2015. San Francisco gave up an eye-watering 53 sacks last season and cannot afford to have similar struggles if they are to improve in 2016.

It is still unclear whether right tackle Anthony Davis has filed for reinstatement and there is no guarantee he will be the same player should he return to the Niners.

Trent Brown would be the most likely candidate to start on the right side of the line should Davis’ comeback not materialise yet, despite Brown showing some promise in his two starts last year, the Niners need competition up front.

And Fahn Cooper, with his ability to play on both sides of the line, can at least fulfil the backup swing tackle role Erik Pears was supposed to perform before Davis’ decision to take a year off pushed him into the starting spot.

Cooper has the long arms to get an early punch on opposing defensive linemen, is quick off the snap and displays solid footwork in pass protection. He has the athleticism to get to the second level and take on linebackers in the running game and can pick up secondary assignments and redirect to new targets on the fly.

The Niners lack quality depth in the trenches, drafting Cooper would give them some insurance at tackle and allow San Francisco to cut ties with inferior players like Pears.

Round 4 Pick 35 (No. 133 Overall)

The Pick: QB Vernon Adams, Oregon

Vernon Adams is going to have his doubters as he enters the NFL because of his small 5’11” frame.

November 14, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. (3) looks for a receiver during the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. The Ducks defeated the Cardinal 38-36. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

But the 49ers would be making a wise move to ignore concerns about his size and take a quarterback who has what it takes to be a playmaker at the next level.

Adams knows Kelly’s offense having played in it under Mark Helfrich at Oregon last season, is extremely mobile and – most importantly – has the kind of accuracy that Kaepernick and Gabbert do not, which is imperative to the San Francisco head coach’s system working.

The diminutive signal-caller displays that accuracy and NFL caliber arm strength throwing from the pocket and while on the run and is able to put good touch on his passes.

Add in his knack for making plays with his legs and this is a quarterback with the skill set to come in and compete for the starting job from day one.

Next: Round 5