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2018 NFL Draft: Why the 49ers should use their first pick on Tremaine Edmunds

By Titus Briseno

BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 28: Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds #49 and safety Reggie Floyd #21 of the Virginia Tech Hokies tackle running back Shaun Wilson #29 of the Duke Blue Devils in the first half at Lane Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 28: Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds #49 and safety Reggie Floyd #21 of the Virginia Tech Hokies tackle running back Shaun Wilson #29 of the Duke Blue Devils in the first half at Lane Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /
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The 2018 NFL Draft is less than two months away, and the San Francisco 49ers need to take a serious look at Virginia Tech linebacker, Tremaine Edmunds.

Remember when the San Francisco 49ers boasted one of the NFL’s top defensive units?

The years have since passed, and many seem to forget that “elite” was a common term used to describe the unit. But lo, the time has come for the 49ers to return to defensive glory.

Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds is a top NFL Draft crush, and that status is much deserved. Edmunds had a stellar career at Virginia Tech, and at the ripe age of 19 years young, he has many great years ahead of him.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Edmunds is listed at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds. Quick reminder, he is 19 years old. In three years as a Hokey, Edmunds recorded 213 total tackles, with 33 for a loss and 10 sacks. Current linebacker Reuben Foster posted similar stats in his tenure with the Alabama Crimson Tide. 

Foster was considered a top-10 draft pick 2017 prior to his NFL Scouting Combine controversy. Considering Edmunds and Foster are so statistically similar, the 49ers Faithful should have no issue with Edmunds going to the team with the ninth or 10th overall pick (depending on a coin flip).

Should the 49ers decide to retain Foster, in the wake of continued off-field issues this offseason, Edmunds would be an excellent complement in the backfield. Foster is seen as a true middle linebacker (MIKE), which requires a strong ability to play sideline to sideline. Edmunds is a great down-the-pipe linebacker, who does not need to play all over the field like Foster does.

Why Tremaine Edmunds over Roquan Smith

Roquan Smith is going to make an excellent NFL linebacker, just not for the 49ers. If Foster is released anytime before the draft, it is possible the 49ers draft Smith to take the role of MIKE.

Smith is praised as a true sideline-to-sideline linebacker, who fits the MIKE role perfectly. But when building a business, you do not need employees with the exact same skill sets. Instead, you find employees who compliment others around them.

Statistically, Edmunds outperformed Smith in nine less games. With the Georgia Bulldogs, Smith posted 252 total tackles, with 20.5 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks. At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, Smith is a great player with a ton of potential. Edmunds is just a physical sight to behold and is too good to let go.

At 6-foot-5, Edmunds is fully capable of covering big-bodied tight ends down the middle of the field. Edmunds has even shown the ability to run downfield with running backs in one-on-one coverage.

Edmunds is an absolute freak. And if you have not see him play before, check out some of his highlights below:

Out of their last 10 first-round picks, the 49ers have selected a defensive player seven times. New general manager John Lynch may want to move this draft in a different direction, but drafting Edmunds should be a priority.

Next: 49ers Player Profile: Wide Receiver Trent Taylor

Edmunds may only be 19 years old, but he will be ready to contribute come day one of the 2018 season.

And that is all you can ask of your first-round draft pick.