Round 1-Christian McCaffrey-RB-5'11", 202-Stanford
People might consider this a reach but I think that McCaffrey's stock has always been pretty high amongst NFL teams and its only now that the media is catching up. You can argue that Fournette might be a better overall RB but McCaffrey brings more to the table as a runner, receiver and returner. He's a true 4 down player. He's very unique, simply describing him as versatile is really an understatement. A few years back I was raving about David Johnson coming out in the draft and what a matchup issue his receiving ability would present and it is exactly what has happened in the NFL. McCaffrey is an even better receiver than Johnson, better hands, much better route runner, he's a threat to attack in a defense in numerous ways and putting him with a brilliant offensive minded coach like Shanahan is almost not fair considering the number of ways that he could be utilized.
He's going to be a second generation NFL player after his father Ed who played WR for the 49ers and Broncos and was especially terrific with Denver playing under Kyle's dad. In addition Denver reportedly is very interested in him and I imagine that with Shanahan, Lynch and Adam Peters the 49ers reported interest is not a smokescreen. Beyond his talent on the field, McCaffrey is regarded as a good leader and a high character guy off the field. Right off the bat the 49ers would be adding a major mismatch that would play starter level snaps between RB and WR.
Round 2-Jordan Willis-DE-6'4", 255-Kansas State
Was initially lukewarm on Willis earlier in the season but he showed a lot of improvement and had a terrific outing in the Texas Bowl where he outshined Myles Garrett. He's been a pretty productive player at Kansas State but in particular there 5 things that I really like about Willis:
1. Motor-He never quits, he just keeps going, high energy defensive end that will chase down plays going away from him, will battle and battle and win simply through sheer effort at times.
2. Work Ethic-He's been training with former NFL players since he was in high school and has been showing continual progression in his skills, especially from 2015 to 2016. He's worked with former NFL player Mark Simoneau as well as NFL Hall of Fame offensive lineman Will Shields. He seems to clearly recognize what he needs to do to improve and has the desire to get it done.
3. Athleticism-Put up some very good numbers at the Combine including a 4.53 40, 39 inch vertical and a 4.28 shuttle time. His explosiveness is not in doubt.
4. Character-Well regarded by seemingly everyone, well liked, humble guy, lead by example type but has drawn praise from local media, coaches, teammates and opposing players.
5. Motor-Listed twice because it just doesn't stop.
Round 3-Nathan Peterman-QB-6'2", 225-Pitt
He's seemingly flown under the radar with the 49ers only having met him once. I don't believe that it is an accident. From the offense he ran to his overall intelligence and skillset, he's a solid fit in a Shanahan offense. Doesn't have the elite physical ability of some other QB's in this draft, questions about his arm strength which to me are largely a function of mechanics that still need work but he's a guy who like Dak Prescott last year showed a lot of improvement as a passer from his junior to senior seasons. He was given a lot of responsibility running a pro style offense at Pitt and handled it well. Has drawn comparisons to both Kirk Cousins and Brian Hoyer, could be a potential QB of the future to develop, at worst I can see him being a high end backup/spot starter for a decade+.
Round 4-Carlos Henderson-WR-5'11", 199-Louisiana Tech
Henderson is magic with the ball in his hands. Led the nation in broken tackles by a WR and had nearly twice as many as the next guy on the list. Doesn't possess elite vertical speed but his quickness out on the field is outstanding. Dependable hands, provides value as a returner as well. Shanahan could scheme numerous opportunities for Henderson to get the ball in space and let him do what he does best which is racking up yards after the catch.
Round 4-Tanzel Smart-DT-6'1", 296-Tulane
I think he can go earlier than this and that people are still missing the boat on him. From everything I've seen he is a fantastic talent and one of my favorite sleepers in this draft. His play matches his name. Very intelligent lineman, doesn't have tremendous length but beats his opponents with quickness, effort and intelligence. Shows great awareness and instincts, tracks down the ballcarrier quickly and fights through double teams. In this scheme he is capable of playing both DT and NT as a rotational player. Undersized but like Aaron Donald plays with outstanding balance and leverage. He's just one of those guys who finds a way to make plays. Motor is strong and he never stops hustling. Great character guy, regarded as a strong leader on and off the field.
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Round 5-Howard Wilson-CB-6'1", 180-Houston
Raw but super talented CB prospect. Could develop into a top flight starter if given proper time to develop. Plays with very good quickness and change of direction which he showed off further at the Combine with his excellent 3-cone and shuttle times. He's a willing tackler when it comes to the run game but could stand to add more weight in an NFL lifting program. The upside at this point in the draft is too good to pass, one of my favorite CB prospects in a CB rich draft.
Round 5-Robert Davis-WR-6'3", 220-Georgia State
Another wide receiver, this time a big bodied possession receiver. Has very good size and length for the position. Davis could be thrown into a competition for a spot on the roster. Fairly raw but physical and tough receiver with outstanding athleticism. He has a lot of development to do as a route runner but is already a very willing run blocker and shows little concern when going across the middle of the field. Build allows him to absorb hits and easily break out of arm tackle attempts.
Round 6-Corey Levin-OG-6'4", 307-Tennessee-Chattanooga
Intriguing guard prospect that the 49ers met with and worked out. Good fit in a zone blocking scheme, could also be a contender at center down the road. Experienced starter that played both tackle and guard, excelled as both a run and pass blocker, potential future starter at right guard.
Round 6-Aaron Jones-RB-5'9", 210-UTEP
Jones is another guy that the 49ers worked out. He's an ideal fit for Shanahan's scheme, a productive runner that also showed good hands catching the football. He's had a series of injury issues but at this point in the draft would be worth throwing into the mix at RB and seeing what he can do in a scheme that is more or less built for his particular skillset. One of my favorite RB's in this draft but I have a feeling that he will be lost in the shuffle. If he can stay healthy I can see him being a productive back in the NFL in exactly this scheme.
Round 7-Chuck Clark-FS/SS-6'0", 210-Viriginia Tech
Crucial piece on a strong Virginia Tech defense. Clark would immediately fit in as a special teams contributor, he plays fearlessly, loves to hit anything that moves and has generally solid coverage instincts and awareness. Could fit as a backup for both safety positions.
