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2016 NFL Draft: San Francisco 49ers Picks, Grades and Analysis

By Jerod Brown

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Appalachian State defensive lineman Ronald Blair participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Appalachian State defensive lineman Ronald Blair participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 5, Pick No. 3, 142nd Overall

Player: DE Ronald Blair, Appalachian State

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 284 pounds

Collegiate Statistics

With little time in between picks, the 49ers kick off the fifth round by selecting defensive end Ronald Blair out of Appalachian State. The 49ers selected DeForest Buckner with their first pick and Blair is simply a depth player, but he provides excellent value at this selection.

Blair could’ve been selected in the third round and it would’ve made sense. He won’t wow anybody, but he is very similar to Tony Jerod-Eddie in terms of being versatile and willing to do anything to make the roster.

Strengths:

Blair is an excellent selection because of the versatility and flexibility he’ll provide new defensive coordinator Jim O’Neill. Blair can rush from anywhere along the line of scrimmage with a very impressive bag of tricks to beat offensive lineman.

Blair has a stocky frame that will aid his leverage against long and lean offensive tackles. He may not always make the play but he’ll push hard to collapse pockets and force quarterbacks off of their spot.

Weaknesses:

Blair’s biggest weakness could also be considered his greatest strength. With a compact frame, he easily out-leverages tackles. But without the length and flexibility that teams would prefer in true pass-rushers, Blair will struggle to be seen as a true starting player.

He is an excellent sub-package player that can create some nervousness in offensive lineman but he doesn’t routinely show the explosiveness and agility that elite edge defenders will.

Why He Fits:

First and foremost, Blair is a polished pass-rusher who can come in and immediately improve the woeful sack numbers of 2015. There is no secret the 49ers need to do a better job of forcing pressure and Blair does that successfully.

Appalachian State isn’t the slouch program that would warrant saying the competition was poor, and Blair absolutely dominated. Blair will come in and back up any defensive tackle position and at both outside linebacker spots.

Jerod-Eddie may see his role decreased with Blair being essentially the same player with a better package of pass rush moves and more upside as a guy that could develop over the next few years.

Grade: B

Next: Round 5: Offensive Tackle, John Theus