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Recapping the 49ers’ Actions in the 2017 NFL Draft

By Logan Stanley

Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 10, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) during training camp at Kezar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 10, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) during training camp at Kezar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Position Battles for the 49ers

Defensive line: With the selection of Thomas, the 49ers’ defensive line just got more crowded and it appears that Armstead might end up being the odd man out. Armstead has made a switch to edge rusher during 49ers’ minicamp, and presumably Thomas will fill in on the interior. With the addition of Taumoepenu to the mix, it’ll be him and Armstead, as well as Aaron Lynch and Tank Carradine vying for playing time at LEO.

Running back: Before Day 3 of the draft, it seemed the 49ers were content with their running back situation as zero were selected in the first three rounds. That all changed drastically. In a span of eight real-time minutes, San Francisco acquired two running backs, both via trade:

  • 49ers traded a 2018 fourth-round pick to the Denver Broncos for running back Kapri Bibbs and a fifth-round pick in this draft (No. 177 overall). Then, the 49ers traded their fourth-round pick (No. 143) and fifth-round pick (No. 161) acquired from the Washington Redskins to the Indianapolis Colts for their fourth-round pick (No. 121).

San Francisco used No. 121 on Utah running back Joe Williams, a highly controversial figure. Williams stepped away from football at the beginning of this season due personal issues stemming from a family tragedy. Some were questioning Williams’ commitment to the game. One thing you can’t question is his game (h/t The Ringer’s Michael Lombardi):

With the two additions today, it’ll be Carlos Hyde, Mike Davis, Raheem Mostert, Tim Hightower, DuJuan Harris, Bibbs and Williams duking it out in the backfield.

Wide receiver: Pierre Garçon and Marquise Goodwin appear slotted to be the No. 1 and No. 2 wide receivers. But after that at the No. 3 position, nothing is close to set in stone. Jeremy Kerley resigned on a three-year deal, Aldrick Robinson was signed during free agency and Trent Taylor was just drafted. Throw in free agent DeAndre Carter, as well as undrafted rookies Kendrick Bourne, Victor Bolden and KD Cannon, and there is a position battle looming in the summer. It’ll be interesting to see who emerges as the favorite of the new 49ers coaching staff.

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

All in all, the new San Francisco did very well in their first crack at the NFL Draft. They were aggressive, efficient and smart in their dealings. Now it’s time for the next test; making it work on the field.