The biggest difficulty I had was in omitting both OG Lamp and a QB from the draft. I think that by going very defense heavy this year, Shanny can better assess what he has, especially along the oline, and have more concise targets next year in FA and the draft. I also don't think there are any QB's in this draft with a higher upside than a Brian Hoyer level player, outside of Mitch Trubisky and Patrick Mahomes. I am not, however, ready to use #2 overall on Trubisky or to give up draft capital to move up for a Patrick Mahomes. If he drops to the 3rd, then sure, but this is all but likely.
I tried to be much more realistic with this draft, but as always, its hard to project where certain players will go. I might reach on some and completely underdraft others.
R1P2: Malik Hooker, FS
The Malik Hooker discussion has been beat to death. Let me preface by saying I would be 100% fine if the team decides to go Soloman Thomas here. A big reason for going Hooker is that if we are to rely on Ward at FS, that leaves a major hole at CB, and still leaves us with depth issues at FS. If Ward goes down, we have no single high free safety, and as a result, a complete schematic melt down. If we draft hooker, and he gets hurt, Ward steps in, and its next CB up, of which Balkee drafted decent depth. We could go FS with the second pick, but then our chances of a game changing CB or pass rusher diminishes greatly. We can go pass rush in the 2nd, and CB in the 3rd, since its a deep CB class, but then the chances of a game changer at FS at Malik Hooker's level is almost nil, and FS will be a vital position in this defense.
R2P34: I want Zach Cunningham to play the WILL here, but the team regrettably already paid Malcolm Smith decent money. I still think an upgrade at all 3 LB positions is needed, and Malcolm Smith is definitely not the answer, but with both Smith and Armstrong locks to make the roster at WILL, there are more pressing needs. Trade to the N
O SAINTS for R2P42, R7P229, and a 2nd rounder next year. Saints are being vocal about wanting to upgrade the defense, but with two picks in the 1st round, they already get 2 game changers on that side of the ball. They are surprised to see a potential QB of the future to groom behind Brees still available at 34, but don't trust he'll make it past the bears, jaguars, chargers, or jets for another round. Very fair trade to make to pick Patrick Mahomes II, QB.
R2P42: Carl Lawson, DE
Originally, I planned to do a pass rush by committee approach, and draft a "LEO/Elephant" in the 1st round next year, but Carl Lawson is an absolute monster. Outside of short arms, this guy is the complete package. Quick twitch/explosive first step? Check. Strength? Check. Speed to power? Check. Violent hands? Check. Technique and leverage? Check. Bend and flexibility? Check. Ability to string together multiple pass rush moves? Check. Intelligence to diagnose a play and quickly digest information? Check. Thank you for getting hurt early in your college career. Thank you for being born with short arms. Thank you for being unable to finish a few sacks, keeping your stat sheet quiet (short arms, lol.) They all allowed you to drop down the mid 2nd round. Dominated the NFL tackles that he's faced over his career, with them mentioning how he was the hardest matchup, even over the top 1st rounders of this draft. Seriously, go do some tape searching on this dude. GIFs will do lol. Line this kid up out wide at 9T and watch him just attack.
R3P66: Joe "JoJo" Mathis, SAM
This dude would be all the rage if he hadn't of hurt his foot. He can play the SAM and rotate in at LDE or even at RDE in limited snaps. Mathis is another "complete package" player. He can set a mean edge, shed blocks, is quick to diagnose a play, can excel in space, and can rush the passer in a variety of ways, be it speed to power, bend, or with a mean rip or swim move. Aside from the injury, and subsequent lack of game film, the other major concern was his immaturity early in his college career. However, he became a father, and by all accounts, has completely changed his attitude as a result. Pass rush had been such a major need for us since Aldon, and Mathis across from Buckner and Lawson, plus with Hooker allowing us to have a SS in the box, pass rush should no longer be an issue, but rather a strength. He will also greatly improve our run D.
http://insidethepylon.com/pylon-u/teams-ncaa/division-ia-fbs/pac-12/washington-huskies/2016/12/13/joe-mathis-complete-edge-defender/
R4P109: Kareem Hunt, RB
Here's on of those pieces I was saying you absolutely can not have missing from a Shanahan offense. After having such great success with a 2 back system in ATL, one would have to assume we attempt to replicate that here. Hyde is an excellent piece of a 1-2 punch, but will need to split carries to stay healthy, and Hunt is a perfect compliment. We just resigned DuJuan Harris, and I actually think he's quite a talented back and can excel in this system, but he won't be trusted after his 1st, inevitable, fumble. Hunt can do it all; get small and slip through a hole, patiently waiting for his opportunity. Make one cut and go. Take it around to the outside. Catch out of the backfield. Lineup in the slot. Oh, and he's never lost a fumble. This is what we Lynch would call an "OW."
R4P143: Anthony Walker Jr, MIKE
There's no guarantee that Bowman comes back able to play at the same level, and even if he does, we have no one behind him. Walker rounds out or LB corps, which will be a much stronger unit than it was last year. Instinctive, productive, and a leader.
R5P146: Ejuan Price, DE
Undersized and unlikely to succeed on base downs, but an absolute firecracker on nickel downs where all he is asked to do is rely on his quickness and burst to pressure the quarterback. Teams will pass on him because of his size, ignoring his production.
R5P161: Josh Reynolds, WR
True outsize Z receiver. Dude is scrawny as hell, and lacks a deep refined route tree, but with a NFL weight training program and some good coaching, dude can be a complete monster. Great height, length, and hands with 4.5 speed. True 3rd down and redzone threat. Will go up and get the ball; has a huge catch radius. Tracks the ball really well and has elite body control. Will win most 50/50 balls. Think Mike Williams, just without any muscle. Unreal concentration. Threat to score every time he catches the ball.
R6P198: Stevie Tu'Ikolovatu, NT
Every niner fan should know how badly we needed a NT last year. Big Steve is a lane clogger at the 1T on base downs, able to take a double team and stuff up run lanes. Surprisingly atheletic, as far as 331 lb beasts go.
R6P202: Xavier Woods, SS
Hard hitting safety with good instincts and ball skills. Can back up both safety positions. Play maker presents excellent value. At combine: 7th 40 yard dash (4.54), T-3rd bench press (19), T-6th broad jump (10'2"), T-2nd 3 cone (6.72), T-2nd 20 yard shuttle (4.13), 4th 60 yard shuttle (11.56)
R7P219: Blair Brown, LB
Can back up either WILL or MIKE. Per NFL.com: Brown isn't going to check off the "physical traits" boxes for teams who always prioritize height-length-speed at linebacker, but he gets a big check mark in the "find ball, get ball" box. He's instinctive and has the play strength and leverage to fight through blocks and make his way into tackling position. Despite just one season of high-end tackle production, he has the anticipation, athleticism and toughness to make a roster and eventually challenge for playing time. 3rd best 20 yard shuttle (4.18) and T-6th 3 cone (6.92)
R7P229: Darius English, EDGE
Another sub package rusher who can't be expected to flash much if all during base downs. However, he could be a nice compliment to Ejuan Price lined up out wide and asked to get the QB. Where as Price will win with quickness, English has great length. Can rotate the two to present favorable matchups depending on who the left tackle is.
UDFA: Darrell Daniels, TE
6'3", 34-1/2" arms, 247 lbs. 10-1/4" hands. Move TE prospect. Good speed/size with 4.5 speed. Soft hands, large catch radius. If he can develop, could be our Reed, but with longer arms, bigger hands, and more speed. Has value/experience on special teams.
UDFA: Robert Davis, WR
Unlikely to be here, as a team will likely draft based on measurables alone, but not worth a draft pick to the 49ers. If he is available as an UDFA however, niners BETTER grab this guy. Despite the production, not a lot of video on this guy, but I did find some actual game footage. Small school player against weaker competition. Not a natural hands catcher, and looks awkward tracking the deep ball. Does not high point the ball, or pluck the ball from outside his frame. Rather than go up and grab the ball, he'd rather cross his fingers that it'll drop over his shoulder into his chest. On one rep, he let the ball hit the CB in the back on an inaccurate but catchable ball. Dropped quite a few balls that hit him on the hands. He did make a few hand catches across the middle however, with no Vernon Davis esque body catches. Lacks crisp route running, with little to no suddenness or burst to his step. Relies solely on speed vs sub par athletes for separation, as he will not get any via route running alone. Tripped over players in traffic while running his routes. Showed a willingness to engage in pass blocking, though struggled to sustain his block. Body language screamed frustration and then disinterest, reminiscent of Torrey Smith last year playing with Kaep. Team was getting blown out, and at first it looked like he was having a tantrum as his frustration blew over. QB made a lot of bad passes, and he put off this persona of "me first," as in "if only my team mates were as good as me, we'd be winning!" Then he just completely looked defeated, lacking any and all effort. All these negatives, yet I still want him. Why?
6'3", 220 lbs, 4.4 speed (9th), 33" arms, 19 reps (2nd), 41" high jump (2nd), 136" broad jump(1st). Completely freakish size/speed/strength/explosion ratio.
2018 notable FA:
Kirk Cousins, QB
Terrell Pryor, WR
2018 Draft:
R1: Tarvarus McFadden, CB
5 star CB prospect. Scheme fit. 6'2" 200lbs. 8 Int. 6 PBU.
R1: Martez Ivey, LT
Trade up from the extra second round pick we got from the saints. Touted as best left tackle prospect EVER coming out of highschool. Has played guard up until this point, but should move to tackle this year. Prototypical size and length with very refined technique for his age and experience level. Heir apparent to Joe Staley and a 10 year starter.
R2: Da'Ron Payne, DT
Here's our attacking 1T DT. Complete monster, 300+ lb freak. Still looks lean and muscular, even at this weight. Ridiculous strength with agility for his size. Will be well coached coming out.
R3: Mason Cole, C/OG
Successful LT moving to C. Displayed good feet and lateral agility at tackle. Quick feet and good hands. Good lateral push. Can play anywhere along the line. Shows the ability to find and hold blocks into the second level.
[ Edited by adrianlesnar on Mar 28, 2017 at 12:13 AM ]
