Niner Noise
FanSided

2018 NFL Draft: 49ers pre-Scouting Combine mock

By Joseph Naki

Commissioner Roger Goodell names a pick by the San Francisco 49ers during the 2016 NFL Draft (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
Commissioner Roger Goodell names a pick by the San Francisco 49ers during the 2016 NFL Draft (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /
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TUSCALOOSA, AL – OCTOBER 21: Rashaan Evans #32 of the Alabama Crimson Tide tackles Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL – OCTOBER 21: Rashaan Evans #32 of the Alabama Crimson Tide tackles Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Rashaan Evans, Linebacker, Alabama

The ultimate team need for the 49ers in the 2018 NFL Draft is linebacker, specifically inside linebacker, as thanks to Reuben Foster and all of his off-field nonsense, the 49ers are now faced to address the LB position immediately and without pause.

I have done my homework, I have no choice but to make some tough decisions in regards to passing on some serious talent. However, I have to do what’s best for the 49ers organization.

Tremaine Edmunds, the No. 1 linebacker on my big board is taken No. 8 overall by the Chicago Bears. And I am literally poking toothpicks in my eyeballs.

The Bears and general manager Ryan Pace know I am in desperate need of a LB, so maybe a little payback from last years fleecing?

Possibly.

Apparently, the talking heads and pundits are finally catching up to what I’ve been preaching about Mr. Edmunds — he is the best LB in this class, bar-none.

NFL.com’s Mike Mayock, whom I deem one of the best evaluators of talent, has Edmunds as the No. 1 LB on his big board. Not surprised.

Nonetheless, I have to rebound, so I pass on my man crush, Quenton Nelson, all the while biting my tongue blaming Foster for every expletive protruding from my thoughts.

No trades in this mock, but trading down to No. 20 to No. 25 would give me additional draft picks while securing the LB I need and covet.

I select the No. 2 LB on my big board, Rashaan Evans from Alabama.

Evans is a perfect fit in defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s 4-3 scheme. At 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, Evans is able to move inside and take on NFL bodies without getting washed. Evans is a natural WILL, and can take over for fellow linebacker Malcolm Smith once his days are over in San Francisco.

But for now, Evans is certainly needed to play inside for the enigmatic expletive Foster.