9ersLiferInChicago 2017 Mock

I really wanted to take my time this year before I released my mock. I admit that I wanted to get a look at the type of FA Lynch and Shanny would bring in. That gives us a bit of a glimpse of how they see the roster they've inherited, which in turn would heavily influence who they seek to draft. K. Shanny and Lynch are gonna have 10 picks to begin the rebuild. From what I read they are gonna take the slow approach, so I really don't think we need to be as aggressive in the draft with trade ups. But they've done a really good job in FA, so I also don't think we need to do a lot of trading back either. Not all holes are gonna be fixed in year one, so they shouldn't try to force-fix them with simply a bunch of late round bodies. We see how that's left this roster. I think we should draft all 10 of our picks, trading back only for deals we cannot refuse.

Without further ado. . . .

1.
ILB – Reuben Foster, 6-1, 240lbs
Originally I really wanted us to trade back into the first to get this kid. But after thinking about it, and now that the combine is over and things have settled, I think that we must get this kid now. If we trade back a few picks to get him I'm OK with that, but we still need a trade back partner. If we cannot get a trade-back partner I'm good with getting him at #2. I know I'm in the minority on this (and frankly, I don't give a sh!t), as most fans here are for Garrett, or looking for any trade-back scenario if he isn't there. Well, I'm sorry, I won't join that bandwagon. I cannot see this team addressing the D-line for a 3rd straight draft. That simply won't be responsible. This team has at least three bigger needs than OLB/DE. Furthermore, while getting to the QB was the glaring issue last season, IMHO, that was more of a symptom of bigger issues than the an edge rusher itself being the issue with the defense, chief among them being scheme (which was lack direction), injuries (which forced us to start special team guys), youth along the D-line (which flashed, but inconsistent), our top OLB being out much of the season, the awful play at the NG position, and Chip Kelly's near disregard for NFL roster realities. IMHO, we already have decent personnel to provide at least a consistent passrush. But the issues I advanced severely stunted our passrush game. Having one stud, and the other just a plug-in (as what we have with Bowman, and the others), exposes your defense to all kinds of predictabilities. A stud pass rusher can be schemed against, especially when your offence isn't offering anything to help the defense.

Reuben Foster is easily a top 5 player, and worth a 2nd overall selection if we cannot find a trade back partner in the top 10. This guy is a sure thing, and will have a career of multiple Pro Bowls. He fits perfectly with any scheme. He would bring back that intimidating element this team has been sorely missing since we let Goldson walk out the door. In fact, Foster will bring some nastiness to our defense that will no doubt alter the offenses game plan. Like Bowman and Willis (yes, I'm making that comparison), Foster is PURE middle LB. If this guy is here with the 2nd pick overall, or if we can trade back somewhere in the top 10 to get him, then we need to get this kid in a 49er uniform. And with the signing of Malcolm Smith this would be the best starting LB corps in the league if we draft Foster with our 1st pick.

(Start the below video at 0:55 seconds in.)



2.
QB – Deshaun Watson, Clemson, 6-2, 221lbs
The signings of Hoyer and Barkley really don't change my mind on drafting a QB high in this draft. I have this kid rated as the top QB in this year's draft. Originally, I had us taking him with the 2nd overall. But ONLY because he played in a spread-style offence he's rated as a late 1st, early 2nd. That's a shame, given the production this kid has put on film. I'm not a fan of the spread AT ALL, but looking at this kid play and the intangibles he brings I don't think, with a season or two to sit and learn, he'll have an issue transitioning to the NFL game. As a coach myself I truly feel that the spread really under-develops players all across the offence. But I think the NFL itself plays a role in this as well, particularly with the gross lack of patients to develop QB's for the NFL game. Very few of even the top QB's come out really ready to take on an NFL playbook. Thankfully, Shanahan & Co. have an honest six years to turn this around. Drafting a QB here and letting him develop properly will go a long way for the long-term.

Admittedly, I originally was not for this kid; I wanted Mitch Trubisky. But Trubisky just don't have enough on film to justify a first day selection, not to mention his awful combine. Picking Trubisky in the first, or 2nd, will be a real mistake. I made a lot of comparisons of Watson to RG3. One of the main questions I had of Watson was his toughness and durability due to his frame. That Championship game with Alabama thoroughly convinced me. Alabama hit this kid hard and often. And that's from THE most NFL-like team in NCAA football with NFL bound players up and down the defense, 4 with 1st round grades. (Where the hell does Saben get these kids?) In this game he proved his toughness, durability, poise, and leadership. Most importantly, he showed consistent accuracy, and I don't care what anyone says. Plus, he set himself apart in the combine. Is he accurate 100% of the time? No! But neither are even the top NFL QB's. In fact – and I don't care what anyone says – his accuracy, for me at least, has been around NFL average all season. In K. Shanny's WCO he's gonna be very good. Though he don't have the arm strength of C. Kaep his mid-range and short game accuracy is better than average, and he literally picked that NFL talented Alabama defense apart with it. He read the defense, audibled at the LOS – often – and stood in the pocket, kept his eyes downfield, and repeatedly delivered the ball with accuracy. Now, I think he can use a few more pounds or so (I know, Matt Ryan is 6-4, 217, and Watson was 221 at the combine), and unless he plays like Dak Prescott in camp and the preseason, I do think he (and all the QB's in this draft) need to sit for a season and be bridged in. With the signing of Hoyer and Barkley Kyle & Co. will have every reason and opportunity to develop this kid for a season, or two. In any event, we need to get this kid on our roster under K. Shanny's tutelage. And with a REAL 6 year contract I really think Shanny & Co. can afford to take that kind of time that most owners are too impatient to swallow.

[Note: If Watson is gone at this point I'm good with getting DeShone Kizer or Patrick Mahomes here. But we CANNOT get a QB later than this point.]



3.
WR – JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC, 6-2, 220lbs
Ideal K. Shanny WR, he'll be a dynamic addition to a new WR corps attempting to add all elements – speed, size, rout running, and now LOS toughness. This guy is really physical, tough as nails, consistent hands, and knows how to use his big frame to body CB's out to make difficult catches. On top of that he works hard at his craft and is high character. Of the Julio Jones/Anquan Boldin mold that K. Shanny would use similarly. This guy will match-up well against top NFL corners. Not a burner, but he does have adequate speed. Unlike most WR coming out of collage JuJu Smith-Schuster is a very polished rout-runner, not afraid of the middle of the field, and very good at blocking. Every year I beg for this type of WR. With K. Shanny as the HC I think we're finally gonna get one (or two) as his offence thrives with that type of WR.



4
DE - Tanoh Kpassagnon, Villanova, 6-7, 289lbs
Talk about freakish ability and freakish athleticism, this guy has it in spades. This kid is fast, almost too fast. Looking at his film you almost wanna try this kid in the "Elephant" spot. Perfect combo of speed and power, and extremely explosive. A real disrupter in the pass game, and reaches the QB with seriously bad intentions. Was used all along the D-line, often being used in the 3 tech, which is ideal for 4-3 teams. Showed real ability to shed blockers in the run game. And speaking of the run game, it appeared to me that teams often ran away from him, which prompt Villanova to use him inside, where he consistently caused disruption. Plus, this is an all-in-one kid. Was a bigtime leader on the team, respected by players and coaches alike (team captain). A three time CAA all academic honors, a degree in finance, and will be earning another in accounting. Though he played against inferior competition he did consistently dominate, which is what you want to see prospects do coming from smaller schools. Tires a bit too early, but I think that has more to do with the conditioning program Villanova than his ability to stay in shape. (Reports are that he was an extremely hard worker, so I think NFL strength and conditioning coaches can fix that.) Needs to be a bit more disciplined in the run game. While teams did often run away from him at times he ran past ball carriers. Luckily, we can take a season to groom him. At worst he'll push the best out of Armstead. At best putting him on the field with Buckner and Armstead, especially on passing downs, is going to be a nightmare for QB's and OC's.



4. (5th pick)
FS - John Johnson, Boston College, 6-1, 205lbs
FS is vital in the 4-3 scheme we'll be running. One of the more athletic safeties in this year's draft. Very rangy FS who could command the defensive secondary like Earl Thomas. Decent in run support and willing tackler. Fast enough to blitz from deep cover 2 looks. Is a very good cover-safety as he has experience as an outside CB. Tracking ball skills are among the best in the nation, zone nor man won't be a weakness. And, he will come in and be an instant ST ace to boot. Has real toughness to play SS in a pinch. He'll likely push Reid off the roster and seriously push the best out of Tartt. At the very least he'll get the coaches to seriously reconsider how they play Ward. I see no downside to drafting this kid here. Needs to improve his technique on the backend for more consistency in single-high coverage. Likely a year two starter.



5. (6th pick)
OT - Justin Senior, Mississippi State, 6-5, 331lbs
Prototypical NFL OT IMHO. Very long arms and strong hands. A Canadian, a top CFL prospect. Freakish athleticism and body control, and can move with frightening ease. Excelled against top speed edge rushers. When he keeps his base he's nearly impossible to get around. A good drive blocker. He does have good, quick feet, but he's not consistent with it, so he will need time to develop into Shanny's zone blocking scheme. But he moves much better than Tiller while being just as powerful.



5. (7th pick)
RB - Elijah McGuire, UL Lafayette, 5-10, 214lbs
This is a perfect K. Shanny-type of RB. Runs at a balanced pad level with true patience. That's perfect for any zone-blocking scheme. Runs with real toughness. But he's a very good hands catcher out of the backfield and can be used in the slot because he runs decent routs, and that'll make him extremely dangerous on Shananhan's offence. Durable, and can carry the ball 20 times a game if called upon to do so. Not a burner but has adequate speed to run away from defenders, which is all that Shanny will need from him in that respect. In this deep RB draft this is better than a value pick. In a normal RB draft this is a late 2nd – mid 3rd round talent.



6. (8th pick)
TE – Michael Roberts, Toledo, 6-4, 270lbs
Delany Walker 2.0, just bigger with better hands. This guy is a chain moving first down machine. The perfect "security blanket" for any level of QB. Plus, he provides us with the playmaking that this team has been missing for some time. On this team weak at the TE position even this 6th round pick would come in and take away valuable snaps from the incumbents and push for starting time. To be 270lbs he moves like he's 230lbs, and that's some scary athleticism. Unbelievable body control for his size. Needs to be more fluid in his routes. But hell, he's 270lbs. A very good blocker but needs to work on blocking in space.



6. (9th pick)
WR - Jonathan "Bug" Howard, North Carolina, 6-4, 221lbs
WR is by far our weakest position, and deserving 2 draft pick attention. Right now we have one unquestioned starter and one unquestioned lot. But, IMHO, the number two still needs to be determined. We've added some decent bodies but I doubt very seriously that K. Shanny & Co. will stop there. We're still in need of a big bodied mismatch. This is a sure-handed catcher, only 4 drops during his 4 years at NC, so he'll keep the chains moving. Not a burner, but as big as he is he still ran a 4.5 at the combine. Plus we already have guys who can stretch the field. He has untapped explosiveness; top performer in that vertical jump at 37.5 so he'll definitely be a redzone problem for the defense. And he's not a bad downfield blocker. While he has very sure hands he will fall in love with body catching at times. But at this point in the draft I think he gives us great value. Frankly, I think this kid was underutilized at NC.



7. (10th pick)
ILB/SS - Ben Boulware, Clemson, 6-0, 238lbs
This guy's draft stock is all over the place, which is baffling to me. Some have him as high as 4th and as low as undrafted, the latter being unlikely IMHO. After the National Title game I had a 3rd round grade on him. I simply don't understand why measurable would drop a most productive kid this far. This guy is a Zach Thomas/Chris Borland type. I cannot see this kid going undrafted. If he's here at this point we'd be fools not to take him. At the very worst he'll be a good ST player. At best a decent backup to Bowman, maybe even push for starting time opposite of Bowman. In spite his lack of speed he was all over the field. I mean, Alabama had no answer for this kid. He's extremely instinctive, and all season this kid was always where he was supposed to be, which both compensated for his lack of speed. Plays with infectious passion and desire. A real asset on pass D. You know, he'll be ideal candidate to switch to SS in the NFL because he brings the lumber and not a liability on passing downs. With the consistent production this kid put on film, even against top talent, I simply cannot imagine this kid not getting drafted. Getting him here would be a real steal. And I predict that this kid will be a real star, no matter where he's drafted.



This is one of the more RB and defensive talented drafts I've seen in a long time. I don't think the CB and OG positions will be addressed in this draft, though I think we'll bring in a bunch of FA rookies. I just think we are pretty set at those positions, both at starters and at depth. I know, I don't join in on the Miles Garrett wagon. I just don't see us addressing the D-line in the first round for a 3rd straight season when ILB and QB are bigger needs. "Best Player available" isn't a bad thing, but it's not a strategy to be applied for every team, every pick. IMHO, applying the "BPA" with your first pick when you've addressed the position group in the first round the 2 previous seasons, is lazy and irresponsible. Right now filling holes is more important than just getting a bunch of unneeded talent that won't fit, or unnecessarily push good talent off the roster. As good as Miles Garrett is we've addressed his position, twice. No need to address it yet again in the 1st.

Thoughts? . . . . . . .

Foster is not worth #2 overall. He wasn't worth #2 overall before he went all "Do you know who I am"

Don't like Foster at 2, but wouldn't mind him in a trade back. Good job on rest, few guys haven't heard of or paid attention too yet

Originally posted by tohara3:

Don't like Foster at 2, but wouldn't mind him in a trade back. Good job on rest, few guys haven't heard of or paid attention too yet

Please explain why #2 would be too high? He may be a bust? The NFL draft is the mother of inexact sciences. You simply cannot draft that way. If you cannot find a trade partner, and you have that player atop your chart, you pass up on him because you think it's a few picks too high. Owners invest millions in whole talent evaluation and scout staffs, but still every team, every year, draft players that they expected more from yet find themselves having to move-on because they just don't pan out. So for me, those "too high" or fear of the bust debates are a real waste of time. Because if those guys get it wrong every year, and this is what they get paid very good money to do all year round, what makes us think fans will be better.

Bottom line, Foster is THE real deal. I know that to many around there feel that if his name isn't Miles Garrett then trading back is in order. Miles Garrett of bust. But Foster isn't getting out of the top 7 picks (top 10 at worst), you can book that. Now, if we can find a trade partner to like picks 5 or 6 then I'm all for that. But if we cannot it'll be boneheaded to pass up on him, a player not making it out the 7 or so picks anyway. So I have no problem with getting him at 2.

Originally posted by 9ersLiferInChicago:
Please explain why #2 would be too high? He may be a bust? The NFL draft is the mother of inexact sciences. You simply cannot draft that way. If you cannot find a trade partner, and you have that player atop your chart, you pass up on him because you think it's a few picks too high. Owners invest millions in whole talent evaluation and scout staffs, but still every team, every year, draft players that they expected more from yet find themselves having to move-on because they just don't pan out. So for me, those "too high" or fear of the bust debates are a real waste of time. Because if those guys get it wrong every year, and this is what they get paid very good money to do all year round, what makes us think fans will be better.

Bottom line, Foster is THE real deal. I know that to many around there feel that if his name isn't Miles Garrett then trading back is in order. Miles Garrett of bust. But Foster isn't getting out of the top 7 picks (top 10 at worst), you can book that. Now, if we can find a trade partner to like picks 5 or 6 then I'm all for that. But if we cannot it'll be boneheaded to pass up on him, a player not making it out the 7 or so picks anyway. So I have no problem with getting him at 2.

What makes him a more real deal than a Patrick Willis or Luke Kuechly who weren't top 2 players selected?

The guy is surrounded by amazing talent in Alabama and a giant red flag went up with the chit he pulled at the combine. Yes he's a very solid MLB or WILL but he's not as good as those guys were and there are some real concerns with someone being so inpatient they blow one of their biggest opportunities because they think they're better than everyone else.

Not a fan of Foster at two...at all

dude seems like a knucklehead and is dealing with a shoulder injury (you talk about Mitch having a horrible combine but none were worse then Foster's IMO). Where you playing Foster just curious? bow is the MIKE and Smith just got paid to be the WILL not sure where you got that he weighed 240lbs he was 229 at the combine.

He's your boy and I get it, in a trade down I would feel more comfortable with the pick not at two.

Do you think Watson is really gonna drop to the 2nd? I just don't see it happening....Kizer could be there at 34

I'm confused is Kpassagnon your LEO pick? A 290 dude on the edge doesn't make a ton of sense to me if so.

I like JuJu if some of of the other WRs are gone coo...I just hate drafting USC WRs lol

I'm fine with the rest of the pick...thanks for the mock.

Originally posted by genus49:

Originally posted by 9ersLiferInChicago:
Please explain why #2 would be too high? He may be a bust? The NFL draft is the mother of inexact sciences. You simply cannot draft that way. If you cannot find a trade partner, and you have that player atop your chart, you pass up on him because you think it's a few picks too high. Owners invest millions in whole talent evaluation and scout staffs, but still every team, every year, draft players that they expected more from yet find themselves having to move-on because they just don't pan out. So for me, those "too high" or fear of the bust debates are a real waste of time. Because if those guys get it wrong every year, and this is what they get paid very good money to do all year round, what makes us think fans will be better.

Bottom line, Foster is THE real deal. I know that to many around there feel that if his name isn't Miles Garrett then trading back is in order. Miles Garrett of bust. But Foster isn't getting out of the top 7 picks (top 10 at worst), you can book that. Now, if we can find a trade partner to like picks 5 or 6 then I'm all for that. But if we cannot it'll be boneheaded to pass up on him, a player not making it out the 7 or so picks anyway. So I have no problem with getting him at 2.

What makes him a more real deal than a Patrick Willis or Luke Kuechly who weren't top 2 players selected?

The guy is surrounded by amazing talent in Alabama and a giant red flag went up with the chit he pulled at the combine. Yes he's a very solid MLB or WILL but he's not as good as those guys were and there are some real concerns with someone being so inpatient they blow one of their biggest opportunities because they think they're better than everyone else.

Ok, show me where I made that argument!

Originally posted by NYniner85:
Not a fan of Foster at two...at all

dude seems like a knucklehead and is dealing with a shoulder injury (you talk about Mitch having a horrible combine but none were worse then Foster's IMO). Where you playing Foster just curious? bow is the MIKE and Smith just got paid to be the WILL not sure where you got that he weighed 240lbs he was 229 at the combine.

He's your boy and I get it, in a trade down I would feel more comfortable with the pick not at two.

Do you think Watson is really gonna drop to the 2nd? I just don't see it happening....Kizer could be there at 34

I'm confused is Kpassagnon your LEO pick? A 290 dude on the edge doesn't make a ton of sense to me if so.

I like JuJuif some of of the other WRs are gone coo...I just hate drafting USC WRs lol

I'm fine with the rest of the pick...thanks for the mock.

I honestly don't think the injury is that big of a deal. In any event he's not getting out the top 7 or so. And just where do you think I envision us playing him. While he's not Bowman he's miles ahead of any other LB we have on the roster. True, Bowman is the Mike. But in ANY 4-3 Foster can play all three spots - the SAM, WILL, or MIKE. But I get it, Garrett is most fans man around here and I'm just not on that wagon. So I'm open for all sorts of criticism. People throw around trading back as if trade partners grow on trees. I just don't think people are considering that we may not be able to find a trading partner. And if Garrett isn't there, like I doubt he'll be, then we'll have to make that pick. And in my mind Foster is a top 5 talent. So if we cannot trade back a few spots to get him I say we pull the trigger on him at 2.

As for Watson, I honestly don't think he's gonna be there, but I lately I've been influenced by many draft boards having him as a late 1st early 2nd, though I think he's a top ten guy. But as I stated in the mock I' good with Kizer or Mahomes at that spot if he is gone. In this down QB draft I cannot imagine all 4 QB's taken by our 2nd pick.

I fully aware of Kpassagnon's weight, which is why I said ". . almost . . . ", so please, read the whole thing and try not to get caught up on minor ideas. The guys is freakishly fast and sudden, so I was kind of wondering out loud how a guy that big and fast would look coming off the edge like that. That's a scary thought for a QB. But it's not a pick I envision for the Elephant (I won't say Leo ), I know better than that. I see him as a classic 4-3 DE who can be moved all over the D-line, demand double teams, and hurry the QB.

if watsons there at 34, so is mahomes.... and mahomes has a higher cieling than watson. and watson is kaep 2.0. dont need that at all.

not to mention kyle wants a pure thrower thats fearless. Watson has the fearless down but not the pure thrower part.

Originally posted by fan49:
not to mention kyle wants a pure thrower thats fearless. Watson has the fearless down but not the pure thrower part.

Totally feel you on Mahomes. But no way is Watson "Kaep 2.0". Not even close! While Watson isn't Tom Brady, and he needs a season or two to develop, he's a MUCH better passer from the pocket than Kaep is (and I like Kaep and wish he re-signs with us). I don't see the Kaep comparison there.

naw son, try again

I'm all on board with Foster, I don't care where we draft him, as long as we draft him

Originally posted by DRnSFw:
naw son, try again

Lol

Originally posted by 9ersLiferInChicago:
Ok, show me where I made that argument!

You missed the point...

Kuechly and Willis were better prospects at LB than Foster and neither of them went top 2. Why should Foster?