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2017 NFL Draft: San Francisco 49ers Picks, Grades and Analysis

By Nicholas McGee

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view before the start of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view before the start of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 10, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Utah Utes defensive end Pita Taumoepenu (50) celebrates a sack against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half at Sun Devil Stadium. The Utes won 49-26. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Utah Utes defensive end Pita Taumoepenu (50) celebrates a sack against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half at Sun Devil Stadium. The Utes won 49-26. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 6, Pick 18

Player: [DE] Pita Taumoepenu, Utah

Height/Weight: 6’1 and 243 pounds

Collegiate Statistics

You can never have enough pass rushers, and the 49ers added one who excelled in his final season at Utah in Pita Taumoepenu.

Taumoepenu had 12 tackles for loss and nine sacks in 2016 and boasts good athleticism and a relentless motor.

His ceiling seems to be a rotational pass rusher but Taumoepenu should be able to compete for a special teams role early in his career.

Strengths

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein said of Taumoepenu: “Quick-twitch athlete with light, bouncing feet. Able to stick his foot in the ground and redirect quickly to mirror change of direction from running backs and quarterbacks.

“Always looks to crash down inside and catch ball-carrier before he hits the hole. Plays with terrific urgency and a motor that is always humming.”

Zierlein also praised Taumoepenu for his explosion out of his stance, and his ability to beat a tackle around the edge and win with counter-rush moves.

Weaknesses

Taumoepenu is undersized to play on the edge and Zierlein believes he will struggle to transform speed into power.

Zierlein also notes that Taumoepenu lacks a pass-rush plan and allows too many broken tackles.

The biggest knock on Taumoepenu is his inexperience, the defensive end having just seven career starts to his name.

Why he fits

There is space for pass rushers on the roster with Ahmad Brooks now 33 and Eli Harold and Tank Carradine so far having failed to deliver.

Taumoepenu has attributes to shine on special teams and, if he can do so in the preseason, then he could earn a spot on the 53.

Grade: C