We all have a pretty good idea of what our needs are by now, so this mock looks at how I think we might address them. With as little draft capital as we have, I would be really, really surprised if we didn't try to trade down. It would have to be a can't-say-no kind of player at the spot for us to stay put. In this scenario, we trade down for an extra 2nd and 3rd round pick. So, here it goes.
2. Nick Harris-C/OG-Washington, 6-1 302 5.16
Highly athletic lineman with natural leverage thanks in part to his shorter stature. Despite the lack of height, his arm length is above average for an interior OL. Harris, who has earned back-to-back AP 1st Team All PAC-12 honors, fits like a glove to the zone running scheme we employ. He also has experience at RG where he played in his first two collegiate seasons with 15 total starts at that spot. Harris' success goes all the way back to high school where he played offensive tackle and his former coach told recruiters he was athletic enough to pull every single play if you wanted him to. Harris seems like the perfect fit on paper, and I would be shocked if we didn't at least take a long look at him leading up to the draft.
3. Lynn Bowden-WR-Kentucky, 6-0 199 4.48
As Shanahan continues to try to build his "positionless offense" -- as some have called it -- one of the most fitting players in this class is Lynn Bowden of Kentucky. He's played WR, RB, and even QB at times for his team and if that doesn't scream "Shanahan player" after seeing how he's used our WRs this year, I don't know what does. Bowden is top 10 in the Nation in yards from scrimmage with roughly 1600 total yards and 12 TDs. Last year, he totaled 750 yards receiving with 5 TDs and also ran back two punts for touchdowns. This year, most of his damage was done on the ground with 1200+ rushing yards and 11 TDs. He's a bonafide all-purpose threat who best projects to WR at the NFL level, and most projections I've heard seem to indicate late 3rd to 4th round. Seeing as Hurd was picked by us in the third, I could see us doing it again with Bowden.
5. John Daka-OLB-James Madison, 6-1 227 4.68
Daka will likely need to convert to LB at the next level, as he simply lacks the size to play DL like he does for James Madison. It's impressive to say the least that he's been able to dominate the way he has at just 6-1 227 pounds though, as he's put up monster numbers to the tun of 26.5 TFL, 16.5 sacks, 4 FF, 1 FR, and a blocked kick. His sack and TFL production were both #1 in the nation. Despite this being against small school competition, I won't be shocked to see him make a meteoric rise by the time draft day comes. Daka brings an element of tremendous violence paired with elite speed, so he will be coveted by a number of teams.
5. Delontae Scott-DE-SMU, 6-4 250 4.90
It'll be really interesting to see how Scott tests at the combine. If his speed and agility drills exceed expectations, he may not be available here. Scott has improved each season at SMU and enjoyed a breakout year in 2019 with 10 sacks (15th in the nation) and 18 TFL to go with 3 FF, and 1 kick blocked.
6. Nevelle Clarke-CB-Central Florida, 6-0 187 4.56
I could see Clarke get pushed down a bit by the depth at so many positions in this class. Clarke shows strong instincts and an undeniable willingness to stick his nose into run support. I think he'd be a nice fit in our scheme and could see us giving him a look.
7. Armani Levias-TE-Marshall, 6-3 255 4.81
Marshall isn't really a passing team, as evidenced by the fact that Levias is their leading receiver with 43 catches for 486 yards and 3 TDs, but he's a big reason for their success in all areas. He's definitely a load to bring down, with at least a couple of Kittle-like clips on his resume, and I think his blocking has been just as much of a help, as Marshall ranked 35 in the nation in rushing offense this year on their way to an 8-4 record. Levias is a guy to watch in their Bowl game on Monday 12/23. I've heard rumors he's a riser, so this is yet another player who may gain enough late buzz to not be available in the 7th here, but the Niners need another blocking TE with receiving upside to replace Celek/Toilolo, who offer little in the passing game.
7. Evan Foster-SS-Syracuse, 6-0 215 4.57
Foster is one of the most thunderous hitters in the nation. Of course, however, often times these big hitters have issues wrapping up consistently, and that's something Foster will need to work on too. Still, you've got to love the violence he plays with, and the 49ers need competition at the backup safety spot in the worst way.
[ Edited by OnTheClock on Dec 19, 2019 at 10:38 AM ]
