5 NFL Draft Picks that Could Jumpstart the 49ers Rebuild
By Robert Smith
Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback, Texas Tech
If you don’t already know this Red Raider, you might want to keep an eye on him entering the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ ridiculous 2016 numbers certainly jump off the page, as he amassed 5,052 yards with 41 touchdowns to just 10 picks.
San Francisco 49ers
Some scouts have expressed concern that the stats are inflated by the spread offense. However, Mahomes’ skill set should translate at the NFL level. His accuracy, moxy and fearlessness in fitting throws into tight windows could push him into the conversation of being one of the top three quarterbacks selected in the draft.
At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Mahomes has the physical tools to succeed on the next level. He also has the arm strength to make all the throws, which may explain why he has thrown 92 touchdowns and over 11,000 yards during his three years under center for the Red Raiders.
Depending on how well he shows at the combine, he may not last too long into the second round.
And while any quarterback selection for the team will be predicated by how they address the position in free agency or via trade, taking a quarterback in the draft regardless of who they bring in would be wise.
The late Bill Walsh once stated that a team should draft a QB every season to create competition and depth at the position.
And with Kyle Shanahan calling the plays for the offense, and his acumen regarding quarterback talent and how to extrapolate the most out of them, the team should have no fear drafting at least one quarterback in April.
Reuben Foster, Linebacker, Alabama
This will be the pick that will propel a turning point in the rebuilding process for the 49ers.
Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster is everything the 49ers defense needs right now. He is tough, hard-hitting, smart and relentless. And with the second pick in the draft, the team needs a sure thing.
While there are no guarantees for any of the players in this draft, Foster is as close as you can get. Playing in what many consider the toughest conference in college football, Foster wreaked havoc, totaling 115 tackles and five sacks for the Crimson Tide.
More from Niner Noise
- 49ers 2023 NFL Draft tracker: Pick-by-pick news and analysis
- Predicting 49ers NFL Draft picks by looking at final mocks
- DraftKings NFL Draft Promo – Win $150 Guaranteed on Any $5 Bet
- 2023 NFL Draft: EDGE Byron Young could be impact player for 49ers
- 5 low-key NFL Draft options for 49ers who are flying under the radar
There are questions right now concerning his health, due to the off-season shoulder surgery. And with Foster not being able to take part in drills at the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium, those concerns are not completely unfounded.
The recovery time for rotator cuff surgery has been set at four months, which would still have him ready to go by training camp.
Foster is physical at point of attack, yet can drop back in coverage using his speed and agility.
His ability to spy the QB, or shed blocks while wrapping up opposing runners will be an advantage at the NFL level.
Next: The Top 5 Defensive Players in 49ers History
For the 49ers, Reuben Foster is a no-brainer.