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2017 NFL Draft: Examining Mock Drafts for the 49ers

By Logan Stanley

Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch, head coach Kyle Shanahan and chief executive officer Jed York address the media during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch, head coach Kyle Shanahan and chief executive officer Jed York address the media during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) catches a 68 yard touchdown pass past Clemson Tigers safety Van Smith (23) during the third quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) catches a 68 yard touchdown pass past Clemson Tigers safety Van Smith (23) during the third quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL Network One-Round Mock

NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein recently released his latest mock first round mock draft, which had a shakeup at No. 2 and No. 8:

  • Carolina Panthers move from No. 8 to No. 2, select Solomon Thomas.
  • San Francisco 49ers move from No. 2 to No. 8, select tight end O.J. Howard.

Presumably the 49ers would receive additional draft picks. I have been advocate for trading back, so while I’m intrigued with this mock because of that, I’m not entirely sold on O.J. Howard.

Zierlein is, and he writes “Of course the 49ers have other pressing needs, but Howard has tremendous upside and would be a perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan’s play-action passing attack.”

Having signed tight end Vance McDonald to a five-year deal in December and tight end Logan Paulsen in free agency, there is no immediate need at the position. That’s why I feel the pick at No. 8 would be spent better elsewhere.

A player like defensive end Takkarist McKinley at No. 8 would serve a role that is needed on the line.