Niner Noise
FanSided

2017 NFL Draft: Complete 7-Round Mock for the 49ers

By James LeBreton

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 11
Next
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Ben Boulware (10) 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
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Ben Boulware (10) 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 /

Round 6, Pick No. 202

Ben Boulware

Ben Boulware was the heart and soul of his team at Clemson University. He’s also a very good football player.

In 2014, he was Clemson’s top backup linebacker. His hard work paid off when he was promoted to starter the following year. Where he lacks in measurables, he certainly makes up for with heart. Boulware provides solid depth at the inside linebacker position, but his bread and butter is special teams play, where he accrued 25 tackles with 1.5 for a loss.

Boulware served as a team captain for the Tigers, and compares heavily to an Anthony Dixon type. He’s a contributor on every play, and has a great locker room presence. Though he is penciled in as a late selection in the draft, Boulware has put together somewhat of a legacy while at Clemson.

More from Niner Noise

As a sophomore, he became the first Tiger in 24 years to return a pick-six in a bowl game. In his senior season, he won the Jack Lambert award, which is given to the nation’s top linebacker. He can nullify the run, as evidenced by his 26 tackles for a loss. On passing plays, Boulware can also get after the quarterback.

The 49ers need to get better at the linebacker position. If they draft Boulware, they can do so without burning a high pick on draft day.

He excels when others think that he may not. Going in the sixth or seventh round just might provide the proverbial chip he needs to make him a stand out in the NFL.

Next: Greg Pyke