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Niner Noise

San Francisco 49ers: Projecting Each Prospect’s Role in 2016

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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Jan 26, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad quarterback Jeff Driskel of Louisiana Tech (16) throws a pass during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad quarterback Jeff Driskel of Louisiana Tech (16) throws a pass during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /

Jeff Driskel-Quarterback

Sixth Round-No. 207 Overall

The 49ers were bound to take a quarterback at some point in the 2016 NFL Draft. Many expected it to come a little earlier than this. And most fans were quietly hoping it was a different player, but Driskel offers some intriguing qualities for the 49ers moving forward.

For starters, he isn’t much more than a backup. At least for 2016. He’ll likely have to be on the active roster but he should find himself inactive on game days. He’s essentially a practice squad player that the team will have to protect by keeping on the 53-man roster.

Unfortunately, that means one less spot for another player. Whereas the team could stash quarterback Dylan Thompson on the practice squad last year without fear of losing him, Driskel won’t be the same way. He has the size and athletic ability that teams will believe they can mold into a starting quarterback. The 49ers obviously did.

I watched a few of Driskel’s games after his selection and shared a few thoughts.

That seems to be a reasonable portrayal of my feelings on Driskel. He’ll hang out on the roster in 2016 but if Chip Kelly can utilize some of his raw talents, he could be very productive in that offense. Sound familiar?

Next: Kelvin Taylor