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San Francisco 49ers: Post-NFL Draft Win, Loss Predictions for 2017 Season

By Peter Panacy

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86) turns upfield for a first down after receiving a pass from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9), not in picture, during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86) turns upfield for a first down after receiving a pass from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9), not in picture, during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 8 at Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles added receiving help for second-year quarterback Carson Wentz this offseason — Alshon Jeffery and former 49ers wideout Torrey Smith.

Smith may thrive in the Eagles’ system, or he may continue to be a bust. We’ll know more by Week 8. And Jeffery could be trending in the wrong direction as well. It isn’t as if Wentz is an elite quarterback to make either receiver great… not yet, at least.

Yet the biggest need Philadelphia had this offseason was at cornerback. Washington’s Sidney Jones (Achilles) likely sits out the year, so that puts pressure on fellow rookie Rasul Douglas. The 49ers would be wise to target him.

To do so, they’ll have to keep EDGE Derek Barnett from making a major impact. He might actually be the best pure pass-rusher from this year’s NFL Draft.

Why San Francisco Wins

Barnett is a non-factor, and the 49ers passing game is able to take full advantage of the Eagles’ questionable secondary. Look for someone like wide receiver Pierre Garcon to have a big game, considering he’s posted 711 yards against his former NFC East rival — the most out of any opponent in his career.

Neither Jeffery nor Smith are much of a factor either, and Wentz struggles to make plays from the pocket with his best options taken out of the picture.

Why Philadelphia Wins

Maybe Smith shows why he could have thrived in a different system and has a revenge game of his own against his former teammates.

Doubtful, but the 49ers may have a tough time matching up against both Smith and Jeffery. Running back Donnel Pumphrey is an X-factor here, and the 49ers can’t quite come up with a game plan to stop him.

Prediction

28. 54. 21. 42. Final