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2016 NFL Draft: 6 Simple Steps for a Successful 49ers Class

By Bryan Knowles

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the 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 the 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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Sep 5, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker (14) is sacked by Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Joe Schobert (58) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker (14) is sacked by Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Joe Schobert (58) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Find Value Selections on Defense

I feel most of the 49ers’ needs on offense, but that doesn’t mean they should avoid the defense entirely—they need to strike when the value is best.

Edge rushers and linebackers are plentiful in the second, third and fourth rounds of the draft. This is one reason I’m not as high as others on the possibility of drafting DeForest Buckner in the first round; while he’d be in my top ten most-wanted players list, there’s enough value to be found in the middle rounds that I think the 49ers would be best served going elsewhere with their pick.

There’s enough value to be had that it would be disappointing if the 49ers don’t come away with an edge rusher type in the middle of the draft, be that a Jordan Jenkins from Georgia or a Joe Shoebert from Wisconsin in the fourth round, or someone more like a Carl Nassib from Penn State or Shilique Calhoun from Michigan State back in round three. There are also options to find inside linebacking help; the 49ers ideally would get one of the top 10 or so inside linebackers available. I’m a fan of Scooby Wright at the back of the fifth round or Blake Martinez at the back end of the fourth, but there are other options available.

Football Outsiders ranked the 49ers 27th on defense and 28th on offense, so there’s not that big of a gap between the two. However, I felt the defense came on more late; I feel like Arik Armstead, Aaron Lynch and (a healthy) Ian Williams can be a fairly good foundation for a front seven, and I’m optimistic about Tank Carradine moving to outside linebacker. That’s not to say the defense should be considered in good shape; it needs talent as well. I just feel the cupboard is more bare on the offensive side of the ball, so more draft capital should be spent over there.

Next: Breaking Down Top Needs By Value

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Personally, Bryan Knowles is hoping the 49ers trade down and down and down again, and end up with five of the top 75 picks. Quantity over quality.