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
9 of 11
Next
Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle D.J. Jones (93) during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle D.J. Jones (93) during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 6, Pick No. 198 Overall

D.J. Jones, DT Ole Miss — B

This is another good value for the Niners in the sixth, adding a big (6-foot-1, 319 pounds), deceptively athletic player, who can play the three or five technique in Robert Saleh’s new 4-3 scheme.

The struggles along the defensive line last season were evident, and this pick will help with stopping the run. D.J. Jones will be plugged in both defensive tackle spots and be used as a cog in the middle.

To carve out a spot for Jones, the 49ers released nose tackle Mike Purcell — whose ceiling isn’t as high as Jones — giving way to a player who serves as a jack of all trades player along the front.

Another great find here for the Niners, who could be a future starter.