49ers should still consider LB Roquan Smith in 2018 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
The San Francisco 49ers should still heavily consider Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith in the 2018 NFL Draft regardless how they feel about current Niners ILB Reuben Foster and his possible issues this season.
Former Georgia inside linebacker Roquan Smith should still be on the San Francisco 49ers’ radar in the upcoming 2018.
This, regardless how the team views the situation with talented-yet-concerning linebacker Reuben Foster.
Foster’s arrest last Friday for marijuana possession will only feed the narrative about his off-the-field concerns, which certainly forced his NFL Draft stock to fall all the way down to the tail end of Round 1 last year.
San Francisco 49ers
We don’t quite know what the Niners’ plans will be regarding Foster. But as Niners Wire’s Chris Biderman pointed out, it’s highly unlikely team brass parts ways with him. San Francisco will monitor the situation, essentially making it a first “tick.” But that’s probably it for now.
Regardless, Smith should be in play for general manager John Lynch.
Smith just announced his decision to forego his senior season and declare for the draft. And while the Niners have plenty other needs to address aside from linebacker, there’s no doubting the 6-foot-1, 225-pound prospect would provide some serious thump to the Niners defense.
Breaking Down the Abilities
Smith, who finished 10th in Heisman Trophy voting last year, is a major reason why Georgia’s defense was among the best in college football last season.
Just looking at his numbers, which don’t tell the whole story, it’s easy to see why he’s around the ball so much:
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 1/15/2018.
Simply put, Smith is a tackling machine. Putting off-field and injury concerns aside, pairing Smith with Foster gives the 49ers a pretty impressive second level.
Elite-like second level.
There’s no doubt Smith’s performance during the CFB playoffs increased his draft stock considerably. Earlier last season, he might have been seen as a late first-round pick. Now, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him go within the top 10.
Why? Well, that top-notch sideline-to-sideline play and ability to sniff out opponents’ efforts at the snap. Those are intangibles worthy of starting at any level.
If you doubt it, just check out the film below:
Breaking Down the Fit with the 49ers
As said, linebacker isn’t the most pressing need the 49ers have entering draft season.
But as far as Round 1 goes, it’s never a bad idea to grab the best talent available. While Smith could be a top-10 talent, all those quarterback-needy teams picking ahead of San Francisco could help push Smith down in the order.
Smith, assuming the WILL role, helps Foster’s transition to MIKE go smoothly. And it creates some competition with veteran linebacker Malcolm Smith (injured reserve, pectoral), who is still a plausible upgrade over SAM linebacker Eli Harold.
There’s your full depth at the position. And the Smith-Foster tandem would remind many Niners fans of these other two linebackers, who used to dominate behind the defensive line.
Slap yourself if you don’t know who we’re referring to.
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It’s possible to look at worst-case scenarios too. Let’s assume, for a moment, Foster’s off-the-field issues begin to become more of a problem. Knock on wood they don’t, but targeting Smith establishes a contingency plan should San Francisco have ongoing problems with its former first-round pick. Injuries too, as Foster missed six games his rookie season.
The bonus, of course, would be getting to see both Foster and Smith patrol the field.
Yet the kicker is the NFL Draft order. The Niners will select at either No. 9 or No. 10 in Round 1 — the final order determined by a coin flip with the Oakland Raiders at the NFL Scouting Combine. It’s hard to see Oakland, in need of numerous defensive upgrades, passing on Smith.
So if he’s your guy, better hope San Francisco gets the better end of the flip.
Next: Mocking out all 7 rounds for 49ers in the 2018 NFL Draft
If he does, and Smith winds up in a 49ers uniform, fans should be treated to a level of defense not seen since 2013.