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

Round 6, Pick No. 173 Overall, SF 49ers select: Garret Wallow, Linebacker, TCU

The SF 49ers realized earlier this season that a shakeup was needed at the linebacker position. That shakeup included trading Kwon Alexander to the New Orleans Saints. It gave the team more salary cap room for an upcoming offseason that will see the cap shrink due to the effects of the pandemic.

With Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw manning the linebacker position, the defense has continued to play well. Warner was just selected as a Pro Bowler for the first time and is widely considered the best linebacker in the league. However, Greenlaw has struggled somewhat, and with injuries riddling the team, the Niners would be wise to add another linebacker.

Garret Wallow, per NFLDraftscout.com, was a tackling machine for TCU this season, logging 85 tackles with a whopping 11 tackles for loss. That was in addition to three sacks and three forced fumbles along the way. The 6-foot-2 inch playmaker could stand to add weight to his 230-pound frame, as well as hone his pass-coverage skills to stay on the field in passing situations.

Wallow’s stock could rise or fall depending on his 40-yard dash time, but his playmaking and instincts should have the Niners selecting him if he is available in the mid-to-late rounds.