Niner Noise
FanSided

2017 NFL Draft Preview: San Francisco 49ers 7-Round Mock

By Logan Stanley

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan answers questions during a press conference at Westin Houston Memorial City Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan answers questions during a press conference at Westin Houston Memorial City Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 11
Next
Nov 5, 2016; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Elijah Lee (9) is congratulated by long snapper Drew Scott (43) and linebacker Sam Sizelove (41) following a fumble recovery against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. The Cowboys won 43-37. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Elijah Lee (9) is congratulated by long snapper Drew Scott (43) and linebacker Sam Sizelove (41) following a fumble recovery against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. The Cowboys won 43-37. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 3, No. 66: LB Elijah Lee

Top 300 ranking: 68

While the linebacker from Kansas State may get knocked for his size (6 foot 3, 228 lbs.), one thing Elijah Lee does not lack is a bulldog mentality. That’s according to draft analyst Tony Pauline. That kind of mentality is needed on defense that was obliterated last season, a defense that really offered little resistance to the onslaught it faced.

Lee was productive while on the field this past season, notching 110 total tackles to go alongside 1.5 sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble. To go with Lee’s capacity to rack up tackles, the linebacker also has displayed athleticism that can be used in passing coverage.

From NFL.com’s Chad Reuter, “Lee has nice movement skills, which allows him to chase and cover.”

The ability to drop back in coverage presents a significant strategic advantage for the defense, and the 49ers need all the advantages they can get on the defensive side of the ball.

Pairing Lee with linebacker and fellow bulldog NaVorro Bowman will only make his transition to the NFL easier and it might not hurt to learn from the four-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl selection (and Lee is only 20 years old, giving him plenty of time to adjust to the game while not shaving too much time off his playing clock).

The combination of bulldog mentalities is the kind of infusion this defense needs.