Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: 2017 NFL Draft report card

By Peter Felsch

Apr 28, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; (l to r) San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch , linebacker Reuben Foster , defensive lineman Soloman Thomas , and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for photos during the press conference at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; (l to r) San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch , linebacker Reuben Foster , defensive lineman Soloman Thomas , and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for photos during the press conference at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 11
Next
Jan 2, 2017; Tampa , FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback C.J. Beathard (16) looks to call a play against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Tampa , FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback C.J. Beathard (16) looks to call a play against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 3, Pick No. 104 Overall (trade with Minnesota)

C.J. Beathard, QB Iowa — C

The 49ers finally get their signal-caller, trading pick Nos. 109 and 219 to move up in the third round.

A bit of a reach for quarterback C.J. Beathard here, especially giving up two picks to get him. Although he wasn’t projected to go any higher than the fifth round, head coach Kyle Shanahan has a high NFL comparison on the Iowa quarterback.

In a detailed report of the Niners draft room with the MMQB’s Peter King, Shanahan said of Beathard, “Tough as s—. Got a chance. He reminds me a lot of Kirk Cousins.”

This is a high-character selection for a team that needs guys who “live and breathe football.” Beathard will be a glue in the locker room and compete with Matt Barkley as the primary backup this upcoming season.

Although he doesn’t have any exceptional qualities that stand out on tape, he does everything well. His strengths lie in his decision making and toughness in the pocket, which will pay dividends at the next level.

Based on the other needs on the depth chart, this pick seems a bit steep in Round 3. Hopefully Shanahan’s homework pays off in the long run.