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49ers question time: 6 topics for the Niner Noise writers

By Jeremy Wohlfart

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 23: Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a sack of Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 23: Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a sack of Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 27: Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Question 3. Which draft prospect could be a potential surprise pick at No. 9/No. 10?

Writer note: This question was asked before the arrest of Reuben Foster.

Peter Panacy:

"Honestly, the biggest surprise would be Penn State running back Saquon Barkley, assuming he falls that far. But he might. Barkley can be a game-changing tailback. But I don’t subscribe to the notion Shanahan would want to use the team’s first overall pick in the NFL Draft when there’s better value to be had in subsequent rounds. But you wanted a surprise pick, and that one would would surprise me."

Aaron Tan:

"A surprise pick at No. 9/No. 10 would be offensive tackles Mike McGlinchey or Connor Williams. Nobody is mocking any of these guys to the 49ers, but I wouldn’t be mad at all if we picked up a solid tackle in the first round. The thing that’s been concerning me for a while now is Joe Staley’s age, and he will likely need a replacement very soon. McGlinchey or Williams would fit the bill to replace Staley."

Joseph Naki:

"Should Roquan Smith drop to us, we may have to stand and take him off the board than to trade down. Although, personally, I would take Tremaine Edmunds in a heartbeat. See my article of linebackers."

Ikaika Valeria:

"I don’t know if it would be much of a surprise, but I’d say CB, Joshua Jackson, Iowa. Only because he’s not projected to be a top-10 pick."

Chris Wilson:

"If the 49ers don’t trade back, I wouldn’t be surprised if they grab an edge rusher or cornerback that is predicted to be a late first-day or early second-day guy, similar to Aldon Smith in 2011. As far as specific prospects, it depends on the movement of players’ draft stock from now until the end of April."

Florito Maniego:

"Although it may not come as a surprise to many, drafting Georgia LB Roquan Smith would be a surprise pick for the 49ers. Not too many mock drafts have landed Smith with the 49ers, but this pick is a huge possibility as the team needs to add more depth to its linebacker group."

Analysis:

Interestingly, Roquan Smith is the only name that appears more than once, and it could be a possible decision given the new questions now at linebacker. The other question would be Saquon Barkley and whether or not he could be a possible slider come draft day. Even though head coach Kyle Shanahan likes to develop starters at running back, would his ability be too much to ignore?