SF 49ers: Full 7-round New Years Day mock 2021 NFL Draft

Round 4, Pick No. 116 Overall: SF 49ers select Cameron Sample, Defensive Line, Tulane

When the SF 49ers lost Nick Bosa in Week 2 this season, it set the tone for the entire year.

When the team drafted Bosa in 2019, he was the missing piece to a dominant defense. And while they have played well in his absence, having a second outside pass-rusher to pair with him could make this defense historically dominant.

It could also help in the event there is another injury along the defensive front.

Enter Tulane’s Cameron Sample.

The Green Wave pass-rusher has been a disruptive force this season, racking up four sacks and 48 tackles (6.5 tackles for loss) in Tulane’s 10 games. His improvement is an indicator he has a high ceiling. And with defensive line coach Kris Kocurek in place to develop his talent, Sample may be a hidden gem.

Although he has the versatility to play inside, Sample projects as a defensive end at the next level.

At 6-foot-3, 280 pounds, Sample’s physique is pro-ready. He was recently invited to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, and he has the ability to impress NFL teams. While his 20 tackles for loss and 158 total tackles overall are impressive enough, he has also deflected seven passes. It’s an area that the 49er defensive front can improve upon, and Sample can definitely provide that.

The SF 49ers have had good success finding talented players in the middle rounds, with the likes of tight end George Kittle and linebacker Dre Greenlaw to name a few.

Cameron Sample could be the next mid-round pick to show out for San Francisco.