Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Regrading the 2015 NFL Draft class three years later

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 22: Defensive lineman Arik Armstead of Oregon competes during the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 22, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 22: Defensive lineman Arik Armstead of Oregon competes during the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 22, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Eddie Lacy #27 of the Seattle Seahawks is tackled by Eli Harold #57 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Eddie Lacy #27 of the Seattle Seahawks is tackled by Eli Harold #57 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Outside Linebacker. Virginia. ELI HAROLD. C.

At the time, grabbing Virginia outside linebacker Eli Harold in Round 3 seemed a nice little steal. After all, Harold had 17.5 sacks over three collegiate seasons, and the 49ers sorely needed an outside pass rush heading into 2015.

The problem, though, is that pass-rush potential hasn’t translated over to the NFL level.

Granted, Harold hasn’t benefited from three different defensive coordinators in as many seasons.

It will be interesting to see how the Niners use Harold this season. It’s likely he winds up being featured in more of a true EDGE role off the weak side, which would hopefully boost his five career sacks over three NFL seasons.

Harold remaining in place means this third-round pickup wasn’t a complete waste. But chew on this — the Arizona Cardinals selected running back David Johnson just seven picks later.

Ouch.