With the third pick in the fifth round (142nd overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected Appalachian State DE Ronald Blair. He is the second defensive end selected by the 49ers in this draft. The team used their first selection to pick up Oregon DE DeForest Buckner with the seventh overall selection.
In two years with Appalachian State, Blair compiled 114 tackles with 32 for a loss, 12.5 sacks, an interception, and a touchdown. He has played in 25 games.
NFL.com projected that Blair would be selected in rounds 6 or 7 of the NFL Draft.
Ronald Blair led all 3-4 DE with a run stop percentage in 2015 of 13.8% and ranked third with a 10.2 Pass Rush Productivity Rating. #49ers
Highly decorated four-year starter who capped off a successful career by being named Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year in 2015. He doesn't have the ability as a pass rusher to excite NFL teams, but his strength at the point of attack and quality tape against Clemson this past season should not be discounted. Blair is an undersized, rotational base end in a 4-3 who might be able to add extra weight and get a look inside as a three-technique thanks to his toughness and strength.
DraftInsider.net had the following to say about Blair in their scouting report:
Blair was competitive, hard-working, got the most out of his ability and in many instances overachieved. He'll do well at the next level coming off the bench as either defensive end or potentially under tackle in pass rushing situations.
Pro Football Focus had the following to say about Blair in their scouting report:
Blair was a productive pass rusher over the last two seasons and a much-improved run defender in 2015. However, the competition level is a question. He played well against Clemson last season but didn't face many NFL-caliber players otherwise. How will that translate to the NFL? Blair played mostly 3-4 DE in college but at his size is more likely an NFL edge player.
Measurables
Height: 6-2
Weight: 284 lbs.
Arm length: 34 inches
Hand length: 10 1/4 inches
Draft Watch: 49ers met with Appalachian State LB Andrew Parker
By David Bonilla
Apr 21
Justin Melo of The Draft Network reports that the San Francisco 49ers met with former Appalachian State linebacker Andrew Parker as part of their pre-draft evaluations.
.@AppState_FB LB Andrew Parker recorded a team high 114 tackles 2023. 10'4 broad, 38.5" vertical, 6.90 3-cone + 4.26 shuttle at Pro Day.Met scouts from #Titans, #Chargers,
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By Site Staff
Apr 26
The San Francisco 49ers selected Florida State cornerback Renardo Green with the 32nd pick (No. 64 overall) in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The selection came after moving down one spot, trading with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Chiefs received: 63rd overall pick and a sixth-round pick (211 overall)
49ers received: 64th overall pick and a fifth-round pick (173 overall)
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College Statistics:
Green registered 43 tackles, including 2.5 for a loss, 0.5 sacks, 13 passes defensed, and an interception through 13 game appearances as a senior in 2023, per
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By Site Staff
Apr 27
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College Statistics:
Bethune registered 70 tackles, including 5.5 for a loss, three passes defensed, and an interception through 13 game appearances as a senior in 2023, per Sports Reference. Throughout his collegiate career, he recorded 339 tackles, including 28 for a loss, 7.5 sacks, 10 passes defensed, four interceptions,
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By Kirk Larrabee
Apr 25
The San Francisco 49ers had a number of intriguing options available in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday night but decided to add University of Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall Jr. at pick 31 overall, bypassing players such as cornerbacks Cooper DeJean of Iowa and Kool-Aid McKinstry of Alabama and defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton of Illinois.
What should fans know about Pearsall and where he fits in with the 49ers? And does it mean anything regarding the future of Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel? Let's take a look.
What the 49ers like about Pearsall, and what general manager John Lynch said about the wide receiver situation
The 49ers appear to be excited about the overall package that Pearsall brings to the table, particularly his
