The Perfect Pair for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2017 NFL Draft
Akash’s Perfect Pair for the 49ers
The 49ers don’t have a single position on the field that’s off-limits in terms of the draft. NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco summed it up best in this tweet.
There is not a position on the #49ers (returning players and offseason pickups) that is so good that it is off-limits in the upcoming draft.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) April 1, 2017
Knowing this, Niners fans should not be surprising regardless of who they choose with their first two selections, but here’s who I think general manager John Lynch and Co. should select.
Round 1: No. 2 Overall
With the 49ers’ first selection, they should take Ohio State’s Malik Hooker.
I’ve been a strong advocate of this selection for the past month or so. I think the Niners have a need for a rangy, center-field safety with the implementation of Robert Saleh’s defense.
Look no further than the Ohio State product. Here is a thread I put together a month ago on Hooker’s highlights and why he’s worthy of the No. 2 overall pick.
FS Malik Hooker and Why He's Worth the #49ers' No. 2 Pick. I've got a bunch of GIFs here on his strengths and weaknesses. Check this thread:
— Akash Anavarathan (@akashanav) March 17, 2017
Although Brooks had Jamal Adams at No. 2, I think Hooker fits a need better, has bigger upside and has the skills to become an All-Pro in the NFL.
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Round 2: No. 34 overall
In the second round, the Niners should address their quarterback need with the prospect that features the most upside: Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer.
Lynch has been courting Kizer for the past month or so, per NFL.com’s Gil Brandt.
Niner Noise’s Nicholas McGee took a look at Kizer and the 49ers being a great fit together earlier this week.
With other quarterbacks, Deshaun Watson, Mitchell Trubisky and Patrick Mahomes likely gone in the first round, Kizer might be the perfect guy at the top of the second round.
Regardless of the connection between Kirk Cousins and Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco will have to take a quarterback in this draft to develop. The Niners could potentially hit a home run with Kizer at No. 34.
Next: Quest For Six Podcast: Episode 3: 49ers' 5 WORST Free-Agent Signings Ever
Let us know who you think your perfect pair is for the 49ers in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft, either on Twitter @akashanav or below in the comments!