2017 NFL Draft: San Francisco 49ers First Round Big Board

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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) calls a play against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 22-25

John Ross

There is concern over Ross’ medical history with the Washington speedster having injured both knees in college, but he deserves to firmly in the first round conversation having a set a Combine-record time of 4.22 seconds in the 40.

San Francisco has a speedster in Marqise Goodwin but could certainly use another receiver who can take the top off defenses and proved a nightmare for defensive backs — catching 81 balls for 1150 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2016 — and can have an impact out of the backfield and as a returner.

DeShaun Watson

A National Champion who has twice performed at his best on the biggest stage, in any other year it may be a surprise to see doubts about where DeShaun Watson will be drafted.

But the concerns are valid, he makes bad decisions forcing the ball into traffic and, though claims about him being a one-read quarterback are false, he does still need to improve going through progressions.

Yet Watson can make an impact through the air and on the ground, has shown great poise under pressure and has the arm to throw with both velocity and touch. He is a prime candidate for the 49ers should they trade down or trade back into the first round.

Mitchell Trubisky

There is every chance Mitchell Trubisky is the first quarterback off the board, and that is testament to the play he produced in his sole season at the controls of the North Carolina offense.

He needs to improve his footwork, the deep accuracy is inconsistent and Trubisky also needs to work on reading defenses but when he is on form, he is a joy to watch.

Trubisky throws consistently with timing and has the arm to complete passes at all levels. He excels at threading the needle on tight-window throws and can do so on the run, showing the escapability to evade pressure.

In all likelihood he will be gone by pick 12 but the 49ers must consider making a move to strike if he is not.

Cam Robinson

Forget talk of Cam Robinson projecting as a guard at the next level, he is a tackle, and a very good one at that.

He may not be the most athletic of linemen, but his mammoth 6’6″ and 310-pound frame means he only needs to take a few lateral steps to widen edge rushers and lead them behind the quarterback.

Robinson has long and strong arms that allow him to consistently win the leverage battle and it is almost impossible to beat him with the bull rush. The 49ers only need to watch Robinson’s extremely impressive tape against Garrett to know he is worth their time as a possible mid-to-late first-round pick.