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San Francisco 49ers: Final 4-round mock ahead of the 2018 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

Commissioner Roger Goodell (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
Commissioner Roger Goodell (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 01: Shaquem Griffin #18 of the UCF Knights celebrates after sacking Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers (not pictured) in the second half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 01: Shaquem Griffin #18 of the UCF Knights celebrates after sacking Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers (not pictured) in the second half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Central Florida. Shaquem Griffin. 124. player. 42. . Inside Linebacker

The 49ers have an ugly story on their hands with the Reuben Foster situation, so it’s about time they look for a feel-good story to make up for it.

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John Lynch won’t base his roster decisions off this alone, but the need to find adequate depth and starter potential at the inside linebacker spot should still be a priority. After all, Foster could easily face a six-game suspension — or worse — in 2018.

You know the story about UCF’s Shaquem Griffin. Or at least you should.

A birth defect rendered him without a left hand. Despite this, the 6-foot-1 and 227-pound linebacker still managed to thrive at the collegiate level and even ran an impressive 4.38 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Sure, he’ll have some limitations at the pro level. But you can’t overlook his instincts and abilities on the field.

At worst, Griffin would be a solid backup with some special teams capability and something to offer in the pass rush.

Not bad for the end of Round 4.

Next: 3 best-value picks for the 49ers in the 2018 NFL Draft

The 2018 NFL Draft kicks off on April 26, and be sure to tune into Niner Noise for all your 49ers coverage.