NFL Draft: Positional Priority List for the 49ers in 2016
By Peter Felsch
Quarterback
The hottest topic of discussion surrounding the 49ers message boards is who will be the signal-caller in 2017?
It could be polarizing quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who has been on fire as of late throwing for 608 yards the last two games and four total touchdowns, including one on the ground.
There is no denying his talents when he has time in the pocket. He can zip the ball anywhere on the field and when he’s out scrambling and running past defenders.
This season could serve as his last for the Niners, since he restructured his contract and now has the option to become a free agent after this season.
Blaine Gabbert was the starter at the beginning of the year but didn’t have any success. Christian Ponder looked great in preseason, but it was against third- and fourth-string players, which is hard to gauge.
The 49ers must look for their quarterback of the future in this upcoming NFL Draft.
While there is no surefire top quarterback, there is a decent crop of signal-callers that have the potential to be All-Pro. If Kap stays, the Niners could opt to draft one in the late rounds and groom him. But if he leaves, they need to either sign a top free agent or draft one in the first round.
Players to Scout
Deshone Kizer, Notre Dame (6-foot-4, 230 lbs) – Projected Rd. 1
Chad Kelly, Ole Miss (6-foot-2, 215 lbs) – Projected Rd. 4-6
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Note: I omitted the running back positional group because I don’t think it should be addressed via the draft.
Next: Patriots vs. 49ers: Previewing Week 11 for San Francisco
All measurements and draft projections of college players are via Walterfootball.com.