Niner Noise
FanSided

2016 NFL Draft: Complete 49ers Mock for All Rounds

By Nicholas McGee

Jan 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (44) is defended by TCU Horned Frogs offensive tackle Halapoulivaati (74) and offensive tackle Matt Pryor (64) during the 2016 Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (44) is defended by TCU Horned Frogs offensive tackle Halapoulivaati (74) and offensive tackle Matt Pryor (64) during the 2016 Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 31, 2015; Burbank, CA, USA; Washington State Cougars offensive tackle Joe Dahl at Pac-12 Media Day at Warner Bros. Studios. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2015; Burbank, CA, USA; Washington State Cougars offensive tackle Joe Dahl at Pac-12 Media Day at Warner Bros. Studios. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 5 Pick 3 (No. 142 Overall)

The Pick: OG Joe Dahl, Washington State

The 49ers signed a guard familiar with the zone-blocking scheme Kelly will likely employ in Zane Beadles and should be keen to find another interior lineman capable of operating in that system in the draft.

And the college tape of Washington State’s Joe Dahl suggests he could be a success up front for the 49ers.

Well-versed in playing for a team that uses a quick-passing game having featured in Mike Leach’s Cougars offense, Dahl has played both tackle and guard but, with his average size and length, is a better fit to play inside.

Dahl is a nimble lineman who excels in the running game, driving defenders backwards and showcasing the ability to get to the second level with relative ease. He is less impressive in pass protection – where his hand placement and struggles to drop the anchor are issues – but Dahl fights through the snap and demonstrated the toughness to play through injuries at Washington State.

He is far from the finished article, however, Dahl would be a welcome addition to the depth chart on the O-line.

Round 5 Pick 6 (No. 145 Overall)

The Pick: DT D.J. Reader, Clemson

Even if the 49ers grab Buckner in the first round, they will need more help on the D-line, particularly with the status of nose tackle Ian Williams for the start of the new season in doubt.

D.J. Reader isn’t ready to be a full-time starter at nose tackle, but he can be a solid rotational piece for the 49ers and represents great value in the fifth round.

A space-eater who is stout at the point of attack and soaks up double teams, the 6’3″ and 327-pound Reader has the tools to cause nightmares for opposing linemen when defending both the run and the passing game.

Reader has no problem pushing the pocket as a pass-rusher and, although he could serve to do a better job of using his strong hands to get off blocks, he can be an immediate help to the Niners in opening up holes for team-mates to attack.

Round 5 Pick 37 (No. 174 Overall)

The Pick: RB DeAndre Washington, Texas Tech

Despite having plenty of players on the roster at the position, the running back spot remains an area of concern for the 49ers.

As long as he can avoid injuries, Carlos Hyde should be the long-term starter but the 49ers could use a change-of-pace back who can catch the ball out of the backfield.

And, although he is only 5’8″, DeAndre Washington is a player who can make a difference for San Francisco.

Washington is an extremely shifty back who can make multiple defenders miss with his quick feet and change-of-direction ability but also has the toughness to rush in-between the tackles and finish runs.

A prolific pass-catcher who racked up 1877 yards and 16 touchdowns from scrimmage in his final season with Texas Tech, Washington – in spite of his stature – is a gamble worth taking in the fifth.

Next: Round 6