It’s safe to say that the San Fransisco 49ers have quite a few voids that they will be looking to fill in the upcoming draft. They brought in Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley in free agency this year, but neither seems to be a long-term solution so QB remains high on the list.
Cornerback is also an area of need after the release of Tramaine Brock and Jimmie Ward transitioning to safety. NaVorro Bowman is the star of that defense but has missed significant time due to injuries and Ahmad Brooks is entering the final year of his deal so OLB and ILB are high priority needs as well.
Carlos Hyde is a solid RB but has also missed time due to injuries as well so RB rounds out the list especially in Shanahan’s offense, which uses multiple RBs anyway. John Lynch will have his hands full next week as a rookie GM looking to rebuild a franchise that has struggled since 2013 so I have done my part to help him out as much as I possibly can, creating a 7-round mock draft that he can refer to come draft day…
Round 1 (Pick 2)
Marshon Lattimore (CB, Ohio State)
After Myles Garrett, there are a number of players that warrant this selection. Lynch has made it known that he is open to trading the pick so if a team falls in love with someone, the 49ers would be wise to take advantage. However, assuming he can’t find a trade partner, they can address their void at CB by taking Lattimore here. This class is so deep that the 49ers could potentially find 2 starting CBs in this draft. He has the best ball skills of any CB in the draft and won’t hurt you in run defense.
Round 2 (Pick 34)
Jarrad Davis (ILB, Florida)
The 49ers get another immediate impact defensive player with their 2nd pick in Davis. He has above average flexibility that helps him slip between gaps and has great acceleration to chase all over the field. His coaches all praise his leadership skills as well as his character and work ethic. Davis might come off the board in round 1, but if he is still available at 34, the 49ers get a great player in a position of need.
Round 3 (Pick 66)
Connor Kupp (WR, Eastern Washington)
Kupp is an underrated WR prospect. He is the most prolific pass catcher in Division I history, albeit in FCS. Kupp set all-time records in receptions (428), receiving TDs (73), and receiving yards (6,464). He can step in as a serviceable WR3 right away and has the ability develop into a starter.
Round 4 (Pick 109)
Sidney Jones (CB, Washington)
Jones was considered a 1st round pick before tearing his Achilles tendon at Washington’s pro day. Even if he isn’t healthy enough for the start of the season, he should return at some point. The 49ers aren’t going to compete next year anyway, so they can use this pick to draft another CB of the future, having already picked Lattimore in round 1.
Round 4 (Pick 143, compensatory)
Joe Mixon (RB, Oklahoma)
Mixon is another guy that would have been a 1st round pick if it weren’t for the infamous video surfacing last season. Since the incident, Mixon has stayed out of trouble and has shown remorse according to some NFL teams. With the NFL’s policies on domestic violence, he remains a risk, but if he stays out of trouble, he could be the steal of the draft.
Round 5 (Pick 146)
Carroll Phillips (OLB, Illinois)
The 49ers should address the OLB position to provide depth but also target a player that can line up as a DE in the 4-3 formation. Phillips is also a very good tackler, something San Francisco struggled in last year.
Round 5 (Pick 161)
Dan Skipper (OT, Arkansas)
At 6’10’’ and 309 pounds, Skipper has the ability to play both tackle and guard. His versatility will be appealing to San Francisco, as it will create more competition in camp.
Round 6 (Pick 186)
Blair Brown (ILB, Ohio)
Brown is a solid player but is a bit undersized for a linebacker. Due to his size, he will fall into the later rounds. He plays with very little hesitation and is a great tackler who sniffs out screens immediately.
Round 6 (pick 202, from Denver)
Josh Dobbs (QB, Tennessee)
Quarterback is still a position of need for San Francisco. However, I don’t think it is necessarily something that needs to be addressed in the early rounds, and Josh Dobbs is an underrated prospect that can benefit from learning under Kyle Shanahan. Next years QB class is much deeper and Kirk Cousins will most likely be available, so waiting on this position makes the most sense.
Round 7 (pick 219 from Cleveland)
Artavis Scott (WR, Clemson)
Scott is a versatile player who can play on the outside or in the slot. This pick is more of just adding bodies to compete in camp in a position of little depth. He can add value as a WR, but his ability to return kicks increases his stock.