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East-West Shrine Game: 5 NFL Draft Prospects the 49ers Should Watch

By Peter Panacy

Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back De'Veon Smith (4) leaps over Florida State Seminoles defensive back Marquez White (27) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back De'Veon Smith (4) leaps over Florida State Seminoles defensive back Marquez White (27) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 19, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Jimmie Gilbert (98) reacts to his strip sack turnover in the fourth quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Folsom Field. The Buffaloes defeated the Cougars 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Jimmie Gilbert (98) reacts to his strip sack turnover in the fourth quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Folsom Field. The Buffaloes defeated the Cougars 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebacker Jimmie Gilbert, Colorado

Collegiate Statistics

Restate everything you just read about the 49ers pass rush last season, and now bring in Colorado linebacker Jimmie Gilbert.

Gilbert transitioned from Colorado’s defensive line to more of an edge role in 2016, and the move paid off handsomely. With just 8.5 sacks the previous three years, Gilbert’s 11 total quarterback takedowns in 2016 proved this move was worthwhile.

A fit in a 3-4 defense, Gilbert’s 6-foot-5, 235-pound frame might need some more bulk to withstand the rigors of life at the NFL level. Strength isn’t necessarily going to be his thing, but there’s no denying Gilbert has excellent converging speed.

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Considering the Niners’ troubles in taking down ball-carriers, someone like Gilbert could be a nice supplementary piece to a San Francisco defense that gave up more rushing yards than any other team in the league last season.

Gilbert probably projects at the very end of the NFL Draft — perhaps as high as Round 6 or maybe even an undrafted free agent.

Next: 2017 NFL Draft: Mocking the Niners over 7 Rounds

Yet his skill set is enough to intrigue pro-level scouts, so the 49ers wouldn’t be making a bad move by keeping an eye on him.