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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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Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) warms up before the start of the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Russell Athletic Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) warms up before the start of the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Russell Athletic Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4, Pick No. 143

Brad Kaaya

The 49ers are in need of a quarterback to lead this team, that’s no secret. What is a mystery though it’s just who that man will be.

In the offseason John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan signed Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley. As it stands now, Hoyer will lead this team for the upcoming season while Barkley can play as a sufficient backup.

Shanahan has said in the past Kirk Cousins is his guy while Cousins himself has expressed feelings of discontent about staying in Washington. If acquiring Cousins for next year is in the teams future, then spending a high pick on a quarterback in this years draft would be counterproductive.

Selecting Brad Kaaya in the fourth round is a much smarter option moving forward. He’s a talented young quarterback who can be brought along at a much slower pace. It will cut out the pressure of starting him right away and give him the confidence he needs to make the transition into the pro level.

In three seasons, he threw just shy of 10,000 yards eclipsing 3,000 yards every year. Currently he is Miami’s all-time leader in yards, completions and attempts.

Drafting Kaaya is a win-win situation for San Francisco. Watching Cousins and Kaaya compete for the starting job next year would be more than entertaining. If Cousins doesn’t come to San Francisco, then Kaaya could compete with Hoyer for the starting job. Either way, it will give Shanahan options to consider whether Cousins is acquired or not.

Next: Jake Butt