2016 NFL Draft: San Francisco 49ers Picks, Grades and Analysis
By Jerod Brown
Round 5, Pick No. 6, 145th Overall
Player: OT John Theus, Georgia
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 313 pounds
Picking just three selections later, the 49ers grab an offensive tackle that will push to start at the right tackle spot in 2016. With Trent Brown on the roster as a late pick in 2015, Anthony Davis still trying to decide if he is coming back and Erik Pears being terrible, the 49ers needed to find a potential starter at tackle.
Quite frankly, with significantly better players still available both at offensive line and other positions, this pick comes as a bit of a surprise. I had the opportunity to scout John Theus heavily and simply present my notes below.
Strengths:
Left tackle in SEC isn’t easy, so he’s got that as a plus for him. Not overly athletic, but enough to move comfortably out of both 2- and 3-point stance. Recognizes plays well and can win if he’s first with good technique.
Long arms make up for slow feet at times. He seems to be great from the waist up. Bright player, recognizes what’s happening, shoots hands well. Going to be way more effective in zone-blocking schemes. He’d prefer to give defenders a wide edge and just run them out, probably because of his strength deficiencies. If a defender does that, he’s playing into Theus’ only strength.
Weaknesses:
If you had a dollar for every time this dude is watching what’s behind him, you could pay his coach’s salary. Just finish the damn play.
When he engages, he does an odd hop thing by ducking his head, and bending at his waist to stick his rear out but his feet never come off the ground. Just an odd way to initiate contact and lose almost all of your power in the play.
If he doesn’t win early, he isn’t strong enough or sound enough to overcome much. He’ll be beat inside easy by strong, powerful players. He has to win with athleticism and, if he can’t, it’s an ugly rep.
Why He Fits:
As mentioned, the 49ers certainly needed to build tackle depth and Theus might even push to start sooner rather than later. In head coach Chip Kelly’s offense, Theus may have a chance to impress as an athletic tackle.
He won’t offer the experience of Davis or the power and size of Brown, but he is a long, lean tackle that helps the depth of the team. With other available players, the 49ers select a prospect that doesn’t impress in any particular area but fills an important need. For that, we give them credit.
Grade: D+
Next: Round 5: Offensive Tackle, Fahn Cooper