SF 49ers mock NFL Draft: Constructing the ideal 2021 rookie class

SF 49ers Round 7, Pick No. 254 Overall: EDGE Chris Turner, Missouri

In Round 7, teams can take chances on draft-and-develop players who might not have the pedigree but possess a unique upside.

Such is the case for the Niners’ final mocked pick of this mock, Missouri EDGE Chris Turner, who doesn’t have the stat sheet to make him a day-one or day-two prospect but still has some workable traits to suggest he’s a solid situational pass-rusher with potentially greater upside.

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 8/31/2020.

Missouri’s pass-rushing efforts have been in a bit of flux in recent seasons, so one could argue Turner’s strengths are there but haven’t been properly utilized. We’ll see how new head coach Eliah Drinkwitz changes things up here, which could ultimately help Turner’s maturation.

Still, getting some supplementary pass-rushing help would be a benefit to the SF 49ers, who may be forced to part ways with veteran EDGE Dee Ford next season because of cap ramifications and his recent history of injuries.

Even if Ford hangs around next year, though, getting someone who is capable of rotating in on a regular basis would help matters a lot.

Especially if Turner can put his impressive 6-foot-4, 270-pound frame to good use.

On the positive, Turner is rarely out of position and has an excellent track record as far as his health is concerned. Anything beyond that would be a mere boost for San Francisco’s defense.