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San Francisco 49ers: 7-round mock for 2018 NFL Draft, version 2.0

By Peter Panacy

Commissioner Roger Goodell with San Francisco 49ers #10 draft pick Michael Crabtree (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Commissioner Roger Goodell with San Francisco 49ers #10 draft pick Michael Crabtree (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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PULLMAN, WA – NOVEMBER 07: Mike Bercovici #2 of the Arizona State Sun Devils is sacked by Hercules Mata’afa #50 of the Washington State Cougars in the second half at Martin Stadium on November 7, 2015 in Pullman, Washington. Washington State defeated Arizona State 38-24. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
PULLMAN, WA – NOVEMBER 07: Mike Bercovici #2 of the Arizona State Sun Devils is sacked by Hercules Mata’afa #50 of the Washington State Cougars in the second half at Martin Stadium on November 7, 2015 in Pullman, Washington. Washington State defeated Arizona State 38-24. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

Washington State. Hercules Mata'afa. 70. player. 42. . EDGE

The 49ers need pass-rushers after finishing 2017 ranked 26th with 30 sacks on the season.

Enter Washington State EDGE Hercules Mata’afa.

I’ll admit, I haven’t watched a ton of film on the 6-foot-2, 252 pounder. But I’ll defer to Fourth and Nine’s Dylan DeSimone for the scouting report and fit with the 49ers:

"Mata’afa embodies everything [Robert] Saleh desires in his defense and projects to play a position they’re looking to fill. As a constant presence in the backfield, the Wazzu product plays violent, fast and with a chip on his shoulder. His hyperactive play speed and pop at the point of contact really captures his game. He also matches the size requirements for a Leo, listing at 6-foot-2, 252 pounds, according to the Wazzu website."

DeSimone also pointed out how Saleh prefers his LEOs to be in the range of 6-foot-3. Just an inch off.

Combine that with Mata’afa’s 10.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for a loss last year, it’s easy to see why he could be a disruptive force for San Francisco’s defense.

Getting him in Round 3 would be a steal.