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49ers’ 7-round dark-horse prospect mock 2019 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Mike McGlinchey of Notre Dame after he was picked #9 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Mike McGlinchey of Notre Dame after he was picked #9 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 01: Ryan Connelly #43 of the Wisconsin Badgers tackles Kent Myers #2 of the Utah State Aggies in the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium on September 1, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 01: Ryan Connelly #43 of the Wisconsin Badgers tackles Kent Myers #2 of the Utah State Aggies in the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium on September 1, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

The 49ers already have their starting inside linebacker tandem set with MIKE backer Fred Warner returning and free-agent addition Kwon Alexander slated for WILL duties.

Yet there’s a pretty glaring hole at the strong-side SAM spot, reserved for more traditional outside linebackers capable of playing the edge roles.

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San Francisco might elect to piecemeal this spot in 2019, much like it did last season. But it wouldn’t hurt to find some adequate depth with a possible upside to becoming a worthwhile starting candidate.

Wisconsin linebacker Ryan Connelly is a tweener, which is primary reason he’s bumped down into Round 6. At 6-foot-2 and 242 pounds, he’s a bit oversized and slow to handle traditional inside duties, yet his smallish frame is inadequate to fully reach the top sides of a SAM backer spot in a starting role.

That said, Connelly makes up for these shortcomings with an aggressive play style and excellent instincts. Like another former 49ers linebacker from Wisconsin, Chris Borland, Connelly has a knack for being around the ball, which is essential for SAM players.

As a late-round flier, why not?

Next. 5 players the 49ers can target on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. dark

The 2019 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 25 at 8 p.m. ET.