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San Francisco 49ers: 2016 NFL Draft Recap & Analysis

By Bryan Knowles

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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The 2016 NFL Draft is in the books. How did the San Francisco 49ers do?

May 2, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (44) walks onto the field at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (44) walks onto the field at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /

After 253 picks, a number of trades and a number of scratched heads, the 2016 NFL draft is in the books. The philosophy from the San Francisco 49ers was clear–fix the defense and the trenches, and let the skill positions take care of themselves.

Despite having the fewest points scored and second-fewest yards gained of any team in the NFL last year, a new offensive-minded head coach and question marks at both quarterback and wide receiver, the 49ers’ first seven picks weren’t players you’ll be drafting on your fantasy teams in the next few years. Leading off the draft with Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner set the tone, as the 49ers had two defensive ends, three offensive linemen and two cornerbacks taken before the end of the fifth round.

Did this philosophy work? Will this be the class that turns the 49ers’ sinking ship around and leads them back to the playoffs? Or is this another 2012 from general manager Trent Baalke — a draft which featured no quality players? While only time will tell the true answer to these and many other questions, we can give our initial impressions on how the 49ers did and how their strategy will help shape the team in the Chip Kelly era.

Next: The Picks!