49ers finally trade Jimmy Garoppolo in this 7-round mock draft
. Defensive Tackle. Volunteers . Matthew Butler. 187. player. 839
Round 6, Pick No. 187 Overall (from Denver): 49ers select DT Matthew Butler, Tennessee
Nose tackle D.J. Jones is now a Denver Bronco, and the 49ers will finally get to see what they drafted in Javon Kinlaw. As of late, Kinlaw has had a rough go. It can’t be easy filling the shoes of DeForest Buckner or being injured right when it seemed as though you found comfortability at your position, but nonetheless, here we are.
Regardless of who earns the starting job in August, there’s a vacant spot and someone needs to step into that role.
Why not Matthew Butler?
The former Tennessee Volunteer plays stout run defense and has tremendous upside as an inside pass-rusher. He cuts out running lanes with his exceptional length and plays with elite explosiveness, but where he excels the most is on edge rushes and second efforts.
He’ll either start over Kinlaw in Week 1, or he’ll push him into stiff competition making him a better inside lineman.
Who will win is anyone’s guess, but one thing’s for sure, the best man will start in August. Defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans will see to that.