As the 2017 NFL Draft progresses, here we keep track of all the 49ers’ picks and provide grades and analysis on each selection.
The 49ers have 10 selections in the 2017 NFL Draft as general manager John Lynch and the front office look to further rebuild the roster.
Here we keep track of every pick made by the 49ers over the three days, as well as providing grades and analysis.
Round 1, Pick No. 3
Player: [DE] Solomon Thomas, Stanford
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 273 pounds
The 49ers scored an early win, moving down one spot to allow the Bears to jump above them and take Mitchell Trubisky.
In return, the Niners received a third and a fourth-round pick from Chicago this year, as well as a third-rounder next year.
And with selection No. 3, the 49ers took a player they likely had their eye on anyway, Stanford’s Solomon Thomas.
Thomas isn’t an edge-bending pass rusher, but he wins consistently inside, proving a nightmare for the man who went above him, in Stanford’s bowl game this past season.
San Francisco has now spent its last three first-round picks on defensive linemen and Arik Armstead, with his shoulder issues and generally average play, now looks a possibility to be traded.
Strengths
Thomas boasts a scary combination of power and quickness, he explodes off the snap and can generate almost instant penetration to the inside.
He has strong hands to rip away from offensive linemen and disengage quickly when playing the run.
Combining his quickness with an inside swim move, Thomas can split double-teams and has a tireless motor, while also showcasing excellent awareness, rapidly reading and reacting to what he sees.
Weaknesses
Thomas’ size will lead him to be washed away when he is met by run blockers, and has also had difficulties with offsides and neutral zone infraction penalties.
He sometimes runs out of ideas when his initial rush stalls, but if he can develop a plan B then he should be a wrecking ball for the 49ers.
Why he fits
You can never have enough pass rushers, whether that’s on the interior or off the edge.
Thomas gives the 49ers somebody who is uniquely adept at winning on the inside and, together with DeForest Buckner, should form a formidable partnership with DeForest Buckner.
It’s not a perfect fit, though, particularly with Thomas’ struggles against the run. And, if they cannot get Buckner, Thomas and Armstead to work as a trio, the latter may have to go.
Grade: A-
Round 1, Pick 31
Player: [LB] Reuben Foster, Alabama
Height/Weight: 6’0 and 229 pounds
After gaining some extra picks, the 49ers used their extra ammo to jump back into the first round and take perhaps the best value selection of the draft so far.
San Francisco sent its second-rounder (No. 34 overall) and a fourth-rounder (No. 111 overall) to the Seahawks to jump back up to No. 31 and take Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster.
Foster’s stock appears to have taken a hit because of a diluted sample at the Combine and reported late concerns over a shoulder injury.
However, in Foster the Niners are getting something they severely lack, athleticism at the linebacker position.
Foster can chase sideline-to-sideline and attack downhill, and figures to take some of the pressure off NaVorro Bowman as he attempts another successful comeback from injury.
Strengths
In addition to being able to chase all over the field and attack downhill, Foster displays a startling proficiency for reading the game. He keeps his eyes in the backfield at all times and is able to close to the football extremely quickly after diagnosing a play.
Foster is a punishing hitter who comes into tackles with force, however, he also displays the discipline to not allow running backs to break contain and get to the outside.
He can hold his own in coverage, even sometimes matching up with receivers in the slot, and make an impact as a blitzer up the middle and off the edge.
Weaknesses
In addition to the apparent concerns over his shoulders and his Combine sample, Foster does have some areas of his game he will need to fine tune.
Overpursuit can be a problem and Foster often struggles to work his way back to the ball if he takes the wrong angle. Furthermore he needs to do a better job of picking his way through traffic and avoiding getting caught up in the wash.
Blockers at the second level give Foster problems, and he would be well served by learning to disengage quicker to maximise his hopes of success in the NFL.
Why he fits
Foster fits because he fills a desperate need.
The early reports surrounding Bowman are good following his recovery from a torn Achilles, but at this point they cannot continue to rely on him.
Bowman Malcolm Smith and Ray-Ray Armstrong make for a largely uninspiring linebacking core behind Bowman, but Foster’s arrival provides them with an extremely athletic and physical presence who can be an immediate difference-maker.
Grade: A
Round 3, Pick 2
Player: [CB] Ahkello Witherspoon, Colorado
Height/Weight: 6’3″ and 198 pounds
The 49ers traded the second of their two third-round selections, but they used the first to address a glaring need at the cornerback position by taking Ahkello Witherspoon from Colorado.
After being forced to release starting corner Tramaine Brock, the Niners have a hole in the depth chart at the position.
And Witherspoon can compete to start right away, boasting the length and athleticism to hold up on the outside in man and press coverage.
Witherspoon allowed just 26.5 percent of passes thrown his way to be completed in 2016 and he fits the mould of the lengthy corners that are in demand in the modern day NFL.
San Francisco is used to going up against Richard Sherman when they face the Seahawks, now the 49ers have a corner of a similar mould.
Strengths
Witherspoon boasts a mouth-watering combination of length and athleticism, with his lanky frame allowing him to restrict throwing windows to hugely impressive effect.
He is disruptive at the catch point and had 19 pass deflections in 2016. Witherspoon shows patience in press coverage and has the quickness to turn upfield with ease.
Possessing very good long speed to maintain trail position and did an excellent job against John Ross in the Pac-12 title game.
Of all the impressive Colorado secondary players, Witherspoon is the most intriguing and he has all the tools to develop into a lockdown corner on the outside at the next level.
Weaknesses
The main knock on Witherspoon surrounds a lack of physicality, while a low interception total may also be of concern.
Indeed, Witherspoon had just one pick last season and three in his collegiate career with the Buffaloes.
If he is to be a success at the next level, Witherspoon must improve his play in run support, with far too many missed tackles showing up at the next level.
Why he fits
Witherspoon is the prototypical corner for the Seattle-style 4-3 defense the 49ers are going to run under Robert Saleh.
His length and athletic ability makes him an ideal fit as a press corner, and if he can become more consistent and improve his physicality and run support then Witherspoon could be a steal at this spot in the draft.
Grade: A
Round 3, Pick No. 40
Player: [QB] C.J. Beathard, Iowa
Height/Weight: 6’2″ and 219 pounds
The 49ers threw in a curveball late on day two, trading back into the third round to select a quarterback, though not one anybody expected, Iowa’s C.J. Beathard.
San Francisco sent a fourth-rounder (No. 109 overall) and a seventh-rounder (No. 219 overall) to the Vikings to get to pick 104 and take Beathard.
It is a confusing move considering Beathard was not considered one of the better developmental quarterback prospects in the class, though he did have some success at Iowa.
He lead the Hawkeyes to the Big Ten title game in the 2015 season, however, with a career completion percentage of under 60 percent, questions will be asked of the 49ers’ thinking.
Strengths
Beathard has decent arm strength and is capable of pushing the ball downfield with touch and accuracy.
He gets the ball out quickly and can lead his receivers to the ball on throws over the middle. Beathard is a mobile quarterback and is a bigger threat to run than he is given credit for, showing the ability to throw with accuracy on the move.
A tough quarterback Beathard is more than willing to hang in the pocket and take shots and is a difficult man to bring down as a runner.
Weaknesses
Beathard’s accuracy on short-to-intermediate throws is severely inconsistent, with too many throws going behind or over the heads of his intended targets.
Timing is also a problem, particularly on out-breaking routes, and his throws to the sideline often arrive with little zip.
His mobility has not lent itself to strong pocket movement, Beathard does not move around the pocket well when under pressure, which he consistently struggles to sense, and he isn’t elusive enough to evade the pass rush consistently despite boasting talent with legs.
Why he fits
Beathard fits because he’s a quarterback and when Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley are your top two options, you need alternatives.
However, with the likes of Jerod Evans and Brad Kaaya still on the board, he appears a bemusing choice.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan must have seen something he likes, but most 49ers fans must be wondering what exactly that is.
Grade: D
Round 4, Pick 15
Player [RB] Joe Williams, Utah
Height/Weight: 5’11” and 210 pounds
The 49ers moved up in the fourth round to take Utah running back Joe Williams.
San Francisco sent the Colts pick No. 143 in the fourth round and 161 in the fifth to get up 121 and add a runner who has the change-of-pace to complement starter Carlos Hyde and Tim Hightower.
There are some off-field concerns surrounding Williams relating to his character, but the Niners will hope he can contribute and help keep Hyde fresh and avoid further injuries.
Before the Williams pick, the 49ers added another backfield player, trading a 2018 fourth-rounder for Broncos tailback Kapri Bibbs and the 177th overall pick.
Strengths
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein said of Williams: “Has get-away burst in small spaces. Flashes breakaway speed to take it to the house if he gets up to the safeties. Sudden second gear to turn the corner or accelerate through line of scrimmage.”
Zierlein also praised Williams for his ability to run through contact and create with wiggle and power.
As Zierlein writes, Williams can make people miss and the second and third level but looks to finish his runs with momentum.
Weaknesses
Williams retired for one month early in the 2016 season, which has led to concerns over his character and commitment to football.
He has also had issues with ball security, losing six fumbles in 289 carries for the Utes.
Zierlein notes that Williams runs a little too tall and isn’t a factor as a pass-catcher or protector, limiting his third-down potential.
Why he fits
The Niners need a quicker back with some wiggle to him to complement the power game of Hyde.
Williams has a decent shot to do that and the 49ers must have done their homework on his commitment to the game.
Yet, with the likes of Marlon Mack and Jeremy McNichols — who do not have the same concerns — still on the board, questions deserve to be asked as to why Williams went this high.
Grade: C
Round 5, Pick 2
Player: [TE] George Kittle, Iowa
Height/Weight: 6’4″ and 247 pounds
The 49ers started the fifth round by taking Iowa tight end George Kittle, amid rumours they could trade Vance McDonald.
Kittle is at the very least healthy competition for McDonald, the Hawkeye one of many talented tight ends in a deep class.
With size and speed having run a 4.52 in the Combine, Kittle is athletic enough to make a difference and had 10 touchdowns in his final seasons.
Expect him to develop into a decent weapon for Brian Hoyer.
Strengths
Kittle’s speed shows up on tape, he is able to run away from defenders and pick up significant yards after the catch. He is an effective option going down the seam and excels at peeling off blocks to make receptions
Not afraid to go over the middle and not overly affected by contact in the middle of his route, Kittle is a hands-catcher who plucks the ball in the air.
Adept at blocking, Kittle attacks his task with aggression and should off a big-play threat in the passing game having averaged 15.4 yards per play in college.
Weaknesses
Kittle’s overall production in college was somewhat lacking with just 42 catches in his last two seasons.
As a blocker he will get off balance and has a tendency to lunge into his target.
His route breaks can be easy to decipher and Kittle could serve to generate more separation out of his breaks as a route-runner.
Why he fits
The 49ers have had too many mediocre tight ends in recent times and Kittle should threaten their places on the roster.
Blake Bell and Garrett Celek in particular should be nervous about their places on the team.
Kittle fits because he is an athletically blessed tight end who has proven himself to be a big-play threat at Iowa.
If McDonald stays and can continue to improve and Kittle lives up to his potential, then the Niners will have two very solid tight ends.
Grade: B
Round 5, Pick No. 34
Player: [WR] Trent Taylor, Louisiana Tech
Height/Weight: 5’8″ and 181 pounds
The 49ers added another pass-catcher to their offense, adding slot guy Trent Taylor from Louisiana Tech.
San Francisco used the pick it acquired from the Broncos earlier in the day and Taylor’s arrival gives them another intriguing option in the slot and somebody who can return kicks.
Strengths
Praising Taylor, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein said of the receiver: “[Has] above-average instincts in space. Will leak a slant up the seam if he sees safety has vacated. Makes slight alterations to routes in order to work through traffic and get to his break-point.”
Zierlein also hailed Taylor for being a natural ball catcher and having toughness to work over the middle, the explosion to turn upfield after the catch and the wiggle to shake tacklers.
Weaknesses
The obvious weakness is Taylor’s size, he also has short arms that limit his catch radius.
Zierlein noted that Taylor could serve to improve the pace of his routes and do a better job of protecting the ball after the catch.
Taylor has seven career fumbles and a low touchdown rate with only 21 scores on his last 308 targets.
Why he fits
The 49ers already have a number of receivers who can play in the slot — Marquise Goodwin, Bruce Ellington, Aldrick Robinson.
But, after how the 49ers offense performed last season, there is no such thing as too many pass-catchers.
And, with his ability to return kicks, Taylor has a decent shot to stick on the roster.
Grade: C
Round 6, Pick No. 14
Player: [DT] D.J. Jones, Ole Miss
Height/Weight: 6’1″ and 319 pounds
You thought the 49ers were done adding interior defensive lineman? Think again.
The Niners strengthened matters further on the defensive side of the trenches with the selection of Ole Miss defensive tackle D.J. Jones.
Jones has drawn comparisons to Atlanta Falcons Grady Jarrett, excelling in run defense due to his ability to anchor and his tackle radius, which should allow him to earn a spot in the defensive line rotation.
Strengths
Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller said of Jones: [He] has the mass to sit down and close off traffic to the second level.
He’s a tough, high-motor player with the lower-body power to be an effective anchor.
Weaknesses
Miller criticised Jones for a lack of lateral quickness and also believes he lacks the first step to beat a blocker to gap.
Jones also had issues being too easily controlled by angle blocks, per Miller, who was similarly critical of his poor conditioning and lack of production as a pass rusher — six sacks in two seasons at Ole Miss.
Why he fits
The likes of Mike Purcell, Chris Jones and Tank Carradine are far from guarantees to make the roster, so he has a decent shot to earn a spot on the defensive line rotation.
And, with all the interior pass rushers they have collected, the 49ers could use an extra run-plugger in the middle.
Most draft analysts had a fourth to fifth-round grade on Jones, so to get him in the sixth is nice work from the 49ers.
Grade: B
Round 6, Pick 18
Player: [DE] Pita Taumoepenu, Utah
Height/Weight: 6’1 and 243 pounds
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
Round 7, Pick No. 11
Player: [CB] Adrian Colbert, Miami
Height/Weight: 6’2″ and 205 pounds
The big addition to the secondary was Ahkello Witherspon, but the 49ers added another corner to the mix in Miami’s Adrian Colbert, who they took with their final pick in the seventh round.
Colbert transferred from Texas in 2016 and boasts very good speed with a 4.25 40-yard dash to his name.
Strengths
In addition to his speed, Colbert is a big hitter and boasts the versatility to play at both corner and safety.
Weaknesses
Colbert lacks fluidity in his hip turn and possesses on only average ball skills, having recorded just two interceptions at the collegiate level.
Why he fits
It’s a seventh-round pick, but players with speed always have at least a chance of sticking in the league.
But, given his lack of production, you have to wonder why the 49ers did not look elsewhere with players such as quarterback Jerod Evans still on the board.
Grade: C-