NFL Draft: Early Look at 32-Team Round 1 Mock for 2017

5 of 33

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) scores on a pick 6 during the 2nd half of a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Tackle. San Francisco 49ers. Malik McDowell. 4. player. 42.

Yes, I know what you’re thinking. Why would the Niners spend three-consecutive first-overall picks on defensive linemen?

Well, a franchise quarterback would have been ideal here. But the top two guys are already off the boards, and the wide receiver group (our No. 3 position of need) doesn’t quite have the value at No. 4 overall.

San Francisco can try to target a QB early in Round 2 — perhaps Ole Miss’ Chad Kelly. Instead, the Niners’ first pick addresses a primary weakness — stopping the run.

The 49ers currently rank dead last in the league, with an average of 140.5 yards allowed per game on the ground. Michigan State defensive tackle Malik McDowell is capable of generating both an interior pass rush and acting as a stout defender against the run.

The Niners could bring back nose tackle Ian Williams (a free agent in 2017), but will his injury concerns pose problems?

Instead, San Francisco’s big three — McDowell, Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner — would comprise one of the best defensive lines in the NFL.