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2020 NFL Draft: 7-round 49ers mock going all defense

By Peter Panacy

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stands at the podium during a moment of silence for the victims and those others affected by the Bombing at the Boston Marathon in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stands at the podium during a moment of silence for the victims and those others affected by the Bombing at the Boston Marathon in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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Mykal Walker, Fresno State Bulldogs
Defensive end Mykal Walker #3 of the Fresno State Bulldogs (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /

897. . Linebacker. Bulldogs . Mykal Walker. 245. player

The 49ers don’t necessarily need more linebackers in this year’s NFL Draft. Certainly not with Fred Warner, Kwon Alexander and Dre Greenlaw slated to be excellent starters in 2020, while backups like Azeez Al-Shaair and newly signed Joe Walker compete for depth.

Last year, however, the Niners went with the day-three approach of going after players with a good chance of making the roster.

More from SF 49ers Draft

In 2020, it’s about finding players who have a lot of potential upside, even if they don’t necessarily have the right fit. Reason being? There aren’t a lot of roster spots open.

Fresno State linebacker Mykal Walker fits into this category. A tremendously athletic 6-foot-3, 230-pound prospect, Walker played at a number of different positions for the Bulldogs the last two seasons, and he even flashed some pass-rush potential in 2018 with four sacks.

At the NFL level, however, he’s probably better playing in more space as opposed to up on the line of scrimmage.

Walker’s versatility should make him a nice piece, especially if he hones his special teams abilities. And he could fight for one of those depth spots behind San Francisco’s starting trio with the long-term potential of solidifying an immediate backup role.

Next. 2020 NFL Draft: 32-pick Round 1 mock with 49ers picking twice. dark

The 2020 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 23. And one should expect the 49ers to actually add some offensive players, too.