49ers focus on trenches, depth in post-NFL Combine mock draft
By Peter Panacy
Round 7, Pick No. 249 overall: 49ers select defensive tackle Jerrod Clark, Coastal Carolina
Yes, the Niners already grabbed a nose tackle earlier in the NFL Draft. However, there aren’t any true backups at this position, and the need to spark some competition in training camp should be a priority.
Coastal Carolina defensive tackle Jerrod Clark is actually a converted tight end who is now up to 334 pounds on his 6-foot-4 frame. On one hand, the imposing size can work in his favor, but he also might suffer from not getting low enough. Plus, San Francisco has typically preferred nose tackles who are short and squatty, and Clark isn’t that.
Still, Clark has some solid footwork stemming from his tight end background, and he ran a respectable 5.25 40-yard time at the NFL Combine, which is pretty solid for his position.
If anything, he’d compete for a backup role or a spot on the 49ers’ practice squad in year one.