Grading Each 49ers Selection in the 2016 NFL Draft

6 of 13

Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Appalachian State defensive lineman Ronald Blair participates in the workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Ronald Blair, DE/DT, Appalachian State

Now, for everyone’s favorite 49er’s draft pick.

Mike Mayock of NFL Network and NFL.com, and Todd McShay of ESPN both gave Ronald Blair a third round grade when setting up their big board ahead of the NFL Draft.

Here is what McShay had to say courtesy of 49er beat writer Ryan Sakamoto:

"I had Blair in the top 100 and gave him a third-round grade; the 49ers got him in the fifth. At 6-foot-2, 284 pounds, Blair is a disruptive pass-rusher who has the versatility to play 5-technique in a 3-4. He likely fell a little bit because of his poor combine performance, but something was clearly off in Indianapolis because he showed drastic improvement in his measurables at Appalachian State’s pro day. The more we watched Blair’s tape, the more we liked it, which is always a good sign. San Francisco also snagged two good players in the sixth round — RB Kelvin Taylor and WR Aaron Burbridge. I wouldn’t be surprised if one or both wound up being contributors for the 49ers."

At 6’2″ 284 pounds, Blair has everything you look for in a 3-4 defensive end, according to Mark Dulgerian.

Forgetting about measurables and flashy combine numbers can be hard, but that is exactly what you do with a kid like Blair. I expect him to come in and contribute in the rotation immediately in San Francisco. He could even force a guy like Glenn Dorsey, Kaleb Ramsey, or Tony Jerod-Eddy off of the final 53 man roster come September.

Actually, scratch that, he could even be the team’s third best defensive end come this fall.

Overall Grade: A+ or (10/10)

Next: Round 5 Pick No. 6