OTC's November Mock Premier (11/22/23)

In years past, when I've had the time, I've usually released my first mock in November. It's always gonna be a bit off in terms of player value assessments as player projections will change over the next 4+ months, but it's good to get an early look at top scheme fits and guys we could potentially target. We have 11 picks, and as always.. I will do my best to think like Kyle and John here instead of OTC... If you see a weird pick, it's my Shanalynch idea. Anyways.. here we go:

1. Kalen King-CB-Penn State, 5-11 190 4.47
King could very well be the top CB in this class, but I think there are a couple others who will go earlier due to their measurables. King has the play-recognition, instincts, and smooth hips that you want in a great cover corner. Impressive closing speed and is statistically among the top 5 in the nation in PBUs. We'll see if he's still here when we pick, but it would be a no brainer for us.

2. Zach Frazier-C-West Virginia, 6-3 310 5.02
Nasty blocker, plays with a fiery attitude and great leverage. Great out in space and has strong awareness to pick-up stunts and anchors well in the pass game. Looks like an excellent fit for our scheme and IMO could start right away at RG while also being groomed as C of the future.

3. Garrett Greenfield-OT-South Dakota State, 6-6 320 5.10
I hate the idea of waiting so long to take an OT, but I could totally see Kyle and Lynch doing it. The only place they've acknowledged we need help the most is OG and CB, so I think they'll go there first. Now Greenfield is going to need some development. I like the athletic profile and what he does in the run game. He's already a strong run blocker and in the pass games I think he does pretty decent with his hands. Senior Bowl will be really telling. If he does well, I expect him to rise here. If he does "OK" then maybe he'll be available in the 4th or 5th.

3. (TRADED TO MOVE UP FOR FRAZIER)

4. Mike Sainristil-CB-Michigan, 5-9 182 4.39
Michigan leads the nation in pass defense, and it's not all about pass rush (they rank 44th in the nation there). That tells me the secondary is doing a fine job and Mike is a big part of that. I imagine Peters would vouch for Mike to be a pick here as we desperately need help filling the gaping hole at nickel. Sainristil has 3 interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns), 3 TFL, and 1 sack. He may be little, but the kid plays big, and makes big plays (how's that for some wordplay?)

4. Darius Muasau-LB-UCLA, 6-1 230 4.68
Good tape against Utah. Kid is a playmaker. He is fundamentally sound in coverage, a good tackler, and seems to work off blocks fairly well. Doesn't seem as fleet footed as some of the day one or day two guys, but he's just an instinctive football player with adequate athleticism and I think could outplay his draft slot. Most projections have him between the 4th-6th.

5. Brennan Jackson-DE-Washington State, 6-4 264 4.76
Jackson has seen his stock on the rise this year as he's been one of the better plays on WSU DL and made several big plays for them this year. He leads the team in sacks (5) and TFLs (7). He led the team with 38 pressures in 2022. He's also a team captain, and seems to fit the mold of the kind of player we like here. Loves football. Unfortunately has a history of minor injuries and I think that could cause him to fall to the later rounds here.

5. Dylan Laube-RB-New Hamphire, 5-10 208 4.52
A legit all-purpose back and recently confirmed Senior Bowl invite, Laube quite literally looks like a small-school version of CMC. He has nearly 70 catches on the year with 700+ rushing yards and 700 receiving yards to go along with 16 total TDs so far, no including his returns on punts and kicks. He is everything Kyle Shanahan wants in a running back, and I could see him becoming a hot riser this off-season. Some projections put him in the 6th or so, but I would be a little surprised if he wasn't snatched up a little earlier... by someone like us.

6. Ainias Smith-WR-Texas A&M, 5-9 200 4.37
Kind of an RB/WR hybrid out there, but has all the tools needed to excel in our system. Wouldn't hurt to add another weapon who could potentially play a deebo role.

7. Thor Griffith-DT-Harvard, 6-2 320 5.04
You don't get into Harvard without being a smart guy, so we know he's already got that positive, but Thor is more than book smart. He's known for a high football IQ and has been a consistently productive player for Harvard, with 5 sacks and double digit TFLs in the previous two seasons. He has experience playing 3-4 nose and 2i, so that's a plus because that's really an area we need depth. Think he would be a guy we might look at late for competition there.

7. Patrick McMorris-SS-California, 6-0 210 4.56
Safety and special teams depth, not much more to add here. I watched his tape last year at SDSU and he can tackle and takes good angles. Doesn't have great foot speed for coverage, so likely a box safety at the next level.

Notes: Although we need a run-stuffing DT, I think we'll look for one late and go the route of simply signing a cheap, proven guy for that role (like we did with Ridgeway, etc.) for competition at that spot. At DE, I think we'll look for mid-round competition to go along with Beal coming back for next season. Ultimately, I think we cannot allow Chase Young to walk and we should keep him unless he demands around 30M+