What the 49ers’ 2017 NFL Draft would have looked like under Trent Baalke

By Logan Stanley | Jul 1, 2017

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 28: San Francisco 49ers General Manager Trent Baalke walks onto the field during pregame warm ups against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on December 28, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Don Feria/Getty Images) /

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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (94) reacts during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (94) reacts during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4, No. 143: Defensive lineman Carlos Watkins

Who and where they actually drafted: Running back Joe Williams, No. 121

Again, I believe Baalke isn’t pulling off the kinds of trades Lynch is, so the team remains at No. 143 instead of moving up. They go with defensive lineman Carlos Watkins, as there is a void in the interior of the 49ers’ defensive line (no Earl Mitchell).

With the selection, Baalke has the defense in mind as it’s an area desperately need of improvement. Particularly the rush defense, which was the worst in the NFL for the 2016 season. Watkins looks to solidify the interior of the defensive line, a spot of special weakness for the 49ers.