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5 players the 49ers should avoid in Round 2 of the 2019 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 29: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators celebrates a sack during the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 29: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators celebrates a sack during the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 22: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators gets past Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter of the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 22: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators gets past Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter of the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

Perhaps no other player ruined his NFL Draft stock more than Florida EDGE Jachai Polite.

Entering draft season, Polite was arguably the most talented pure pass-rusher in this class. While his run-stopping abilities aren’t great, Polite’s sheer speed and explosiveness off the edge made him a would-be shoo-in for first-round status.

Not any longer.

The 49ers were one of the teams Polite labeled as having “bashed him” during the combine interview process. That alone probably wouldn’t deter the Niners from remaining interested, although it certainly dropped him down their big board a bit. Especially if teams now worry about how he’ll handle constructive criticism at the pro level.

Out of Round 2, though? Well, that’s where things get more interesting.

According to The Draft Network’s Jon Ledyard, Polite even had some controversy surrounding his apparent hamstring injury, too:

The poor combine, poor interviews and apparent injury should push Polite off San Francisco’s big board. At least for Round 2.

If Polite falls into the 49ers’ collective lap in Round 3, and they still have a need, that’s one thing. But San Francisco shouldn’t reach here and instead focus on other targets with its second pick.

Next. 3 players 49ers shouldn't touch in the NFL Draft. dark

The 2019 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 25 with Rounds 2 and 3 coming a day later.