49ers: Why Texas A&M Myles Garrett is a Must-Draft Player

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Sep 10, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Prairie View A&M Panthers running back Dawonya Tucker (13) rushes as Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett defends during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Little Risk, Big Rewards

We have established that when teams reach for a QB and miss they end up setting their franchise back several years.

According to the Harvard Sports Analysis Collective, 61 percent of first-round QBs turn out to be mediocre or out-right busts. In fact, according to the same analysis only 39 percent of first-round QBs become above-average signal callers.

This analysis is a strict mathematical analysis which fails to take into account when teams reach for QBs that are not capable of being franchise-leading QBs.

However, miss on an EDGE rusher and the damage is significantly minimized. Yet, hit on an elite EDGE rusher, like the Denver Broncos did with Von Miller, and the 49ers can reap the rewards.

The 49ers can still select a QB in the first round by trading back in to the back end of the first round. The 49ers second round pick can be used in a trade up scenario to secure a late first round quarterback.

Players like Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes or Virginia Tech’s Jerod Evans could be available later in the first round.

Dec 18, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) during the game against the Cleveland Browns at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

In addition, there are also plenty of QBs available through free agency or through trades with other teams.

Players like Washington Redskins’ Kirk Cousins, Buffalo Bills’ QB Tyrod Taylor and Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Mike Glennon will all be FAs in 2017.

New England’s Jimmy Garoppolo and Minnesota Vikings’ Teddy Bridgewater or Sam Bradford could be available through trades.