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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 /
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Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) in action during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) in action during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 2, Pick No. 34

T.J. Watt

The 49ers are in desperate need of help with the pass rush. They need someone who is quick off the line who will chase the quarterback until he catches him.

T.J. Watt isn’t the fastest guy around the corner, but he will wear you out and then target the quarterback when you’ve lost a step.

Aaron Lynch has lost his way. Last year he missed four games due to suspension and then sat most of the season with an injury. Ahmad Brooks is going into the last season of a six-year contract. He is overpriced and has also shown signs of slowing down.

If Lynch has a bounce-back year, he and Watt can form one of the deadliest pass-rush tandems at the linebacker position.

Defensive linemen Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner are very good at overpowering opponents’ offensive lines and drawing the double teams. But if they have no one behind them in pursuit of the quarterback, you’ll never know how effective they can be.

Another strength of Watt’s is that he is experienced against the run, which also was a position of weakness last season. In only 14 games for the Badgers, he racked up 56 pressures, 30 quarterback hurries, 16 hits, 11.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss.

It’s time to address a position that has been lacking for three seasons. Linebacker NaVorro Bowman needs help, and the position needs to be considered dominant again.

Watt checks all of those specified boxes.

Next: Tre'Davious White