My One and Only Mock Draft - Be Gentle

Rd. 1 #15 - OT Jason Spriggs (Rd. 1 #7 traded to Tennessee Titans for Rd. 1 #15 and Rd. 2 #45 (Tennessee selects OT Ronnie Stanley)

My Comment: Prototypical zone blocking tackle, with athleticism to pass protect and get to second level in run game. Some give him a second round grade, but I don't see the separation between him and Jack Conklin or Taylor Decker. Will start out at right tackle and move to left tackle when Staley retires.

6'6" Height 34 1/8" Arm Length 301LBS. Weight 10 1/8" Hands

Analysis

Strengths Athletic frame with long arms. Comes out of his stance with tremendous quickness and has elite lateral movement. Can get to extremely difficult backside cutoff blocks. Knee bender. As a move blocker, lands squarely in the strike zone and rolls hips and feet under him to to wash down defender or secure a down-block. Shows good patience in space with ability to become solid combination blocker in zone scheme. Looks to finish. Able to adjust his assignments on the fly. Is active with his hands in pass pro. Will throw jabs with both hands rather than offering them up for defensive ends to swat. Has tools to substantially slow pass rushers when timing his punch. Durable, four-year starter

Weaknesses Play strength needs improvement. Unable to match power as a base blocker and too easy moved off his spot. Struggles to cleanly absorb and eat contact without being jostled. Has crippling issue with over-setting in pass protection. Doesn't maintain much weight on inner half of his frame and has consistent issues redirecting his weight back inside with suddenness against inside moves. Doesn't use his length to his advantage often enough. Slows his slide when punching, allowing rushers opportunity to gain advantage around the corner. Needs stronger hands to snatch and control rather than just push. Ability to recover with power or athletic traits are a concern.

Bottom Line Spriggs has outstanding athleticism, but his play strength and overall recovery ability are major concerns for a position as important as tackle. Spriggs followed up a strong week at the Senior Bowl with a very good showing at the combine and has solidified his standing as an early round tackle amongst evaluators. If he can improve his inside post and prevent counter moves from eating him up, he has a chance to be a solid NFL starter on the left side.

Rd. 1 #30 DT Vernon Butler (Rd. 2 #37 traded to Carolina Panthers for Rd. 4 #105 and Rd. 6 #207)

My Comment: Has drawn some comparisons to Muhammad Wilkerson. Has the athleticism, length, and strength to play all over the defensive line. Will start out in a reserve role behind Dial at DE and Williams at NT, but will eventually replace him with more upside and passrushing ability. By making trade, we also get 5th year option on his contract.

6'4" Height 35 1/8" Arm Length 323LBS. Weight 10 3/4" Hands

Analysis

Strengths Long-armed knee-bender who can play the role of low man at the point of attack. Plays with strong hands and good arm extension and can "peekaboo" both gaps as he reads which hole the running back heads for. Impressive stack and shed timing and power. Able to eat up double teams and keep his linebackers clean when asked to. Excellent athleticism. Can make plays all along the line of scrimmage. If blocker doesn't finish, Butler will work himself back into the play. Able to coordinate hands and feet smoothly and has change of direction and closing burst to become a dominant pass rusher from inside. Can slide from gap to gap as a pass rusher and is a perfect fit for twist-based defense. Generally attacks gaps with forward lean and ability to corner the edge when he has his man beat. Can stutter-step into pass rush to disrupt offensive lineman's timing or generate a speed-to-power bull rush that can severely dent a pocket. Gives consistent effort and plays like a lead dog looking to eat.

Weaknesses Build is athletic, but a little bit top heavy. Will play with inconsistent base when his pad level gets too high trying to win through the gaps. Will try to outmuscle his opponent when his initial pass rush gets stuck in neutral, rather than use counter moves. For all of his potential and talent, wasn't as productive as NFL scouts are used to. Plays with some wasted energy and motion and needs to work more efficiently.

Bottom Line Athletic interior lineman with long arms and outstanding athleticism that allows him to work on offensive linemen with a combination of power and quickness. Butler has a raw but diverse skillset as a pass rusher that should excite NFL evaluators who see the potential of what he can be with more coaching and experience. With his effort and defensive ball awareness, his ceiling appears to be high with a chance to become a high-level starter for an odd or even front defense.

Rd. 2 #45 QB Dak Prescott (acquired in trade with Titans)

My Comment: Connor Cook may be here as well, and this selection may be a little rich for some people's liking, but I think we'll need to jump into the middle of the 2nd round to ensure we obtain the services of a signal caller with starter potential. Dak has progressed every year as a passer and he developed into a fairly accurate passer in the short to intermediate area. He's tough, athletic as a runner and passer and a leader of men. A nice fit for Chip's offense.

6'2" Height 32 1/4" Arm Length 226LBS. Weight 10 7/8" Hands

Analysis

Strengths Thick, muscular frame. Has proven over last three seasons that he can withstand a pounding. Has enough natural arm strength and hip snap to fit throws into an NFL window. Stands tall and delivers a tight spiral with over-the-top delivery. Very little windup and gets ball out with the flick of a wrist. When pocket is clean, can deliver accurate strikes around the field. Played with improved vision and care for football this season and eliminated many of the ill-fated throws that turned into interceptions in 2014. Still a work in progress, but continues to show a level of growth as a passer. Threat with his legs, scoring 37 rushing touchdowns over last three seasons and had 94 rushes of ten yards or more during that time. Can be used as goal-line rushing option. Willing to extend plays outside of pocket with legs but look to finish the play with his arm. Mentally tough enough to carry a heavy offensive burden for the Bulldogs over last three years. When protected better in 2014, showed an ability to challenge deep and strike with accuracy and touch

Weaknesses Beat up this year thanks to poor protection. When he wasn't being sacked, he was being hit hard. Not as competitive a rusher in 2015. Sacks and usage in run game might be taking a toll. Increase in short pass attempts from 86 to 208 this year reason for higher completion numbers. Accuracy on intermediate and deep throws dropped sharply. Pocket poise has been compromised. Hyper aware of pressure around him and lacks awareness to slide and find temporary shelter to make throw. Concern over pressure too often trumps ability to get through progressions. Must speed up the pace of his reads. Footwork is a mess. Slight stride onto stiff upper leg with little weight shift. Restricted follow through and too often tries to muscle throws with upper body. Throws to target rather than leading or throwing them open on short/intermediate throws. Too respectful of underneath coverage and must be more willing to challenge the defense. Needs to improve anticipation.

Bottom Line Hard to find an NFL comp for Prescott because he's built like Donovan McNabb, but lacks McNabb's ability and polish. Prescott has NFL size, mobility and enough arm, but the tape shows a player who must improve his mechanics, poise and quickness through his progressions if he is to become a full-time starter in the NFL. There are absolutely draftable traits and upside, but he will need extended work to smooth out his flaws. Until then, a team would be wise to utilize him on short-yardage packages.

Rd. 3 #68 WR Leonte Caroo

My Comments: Strength, toughness, quickness and traits to excel in the short and intermediate passing game. Fantastic hands with enough speed to threaten deep on occasion. Should go higher, but not a burner and doesn't have great size. Should push for playing time this year in 4 wideout packages and will replace Patton after his rookie year.

6'0" Height 31 3/8" Arm Length 211LBS. Weight 9 5/8" Hands

Analysis

Strengths Has desired NFL size. Targeted by his quarterbacks at a high rate over last three seasons and was up to the challenge. Consistently productive. Averaged over 20 yards per catch over last two seasons and 31 of his 122 catches went for 25-plus yards. Finished with 29 touchdowns over three seasons. Strong ball tracker who can adjust to off-target deep balls and run under them. Can sell cornerback on the vertical route and then break it off suddenly while working back to the throw. Natural, reliable hands catcher who snatches the ball away from his body. Able to make contested catches. Uses plus balance and footwork to accelerate out of his breaks and create separation. Improved his release against press coverage by varying approaches and improving initial footwork. Gets upfield immediately after the catch and has size to finish with an extra yard or two tacked on. Played in scheme that required him to be a willing and competitive run blocker. Team captain. Willing to play with pain. Missed two games due to high ankle sprain, but came back early and played hurt over final three games of the season.

Weaknesses His gaudy yards per catch numbers are a function of Rutgers play-action passing attack more than his speed deep. Rarely outruns cornerbacks and struggles to get over the top and stack them. Is a little too upright into his routes and hip stiffness limits ability to run sharp out-breaking and in-breaking routes. Has had his struggles against physical, press-man cover men with length. Was completely ineffective and nearly shut out in 2014 against Michigan State's Trae Waynes. Scouts have concerns regarding Carroo's personal character and reliability. Suspended two games for his role in a simple assault charge involving a domestic dispute and missed the first half of the first game after being suspended for missing curfew.

Bottom Line Consistently productive receiver with good size but pedestrian long speed. While Carroo benefited from Rutgers' offensive system, he was still producing at a high level despite the attention that was paid to him. Carroo will need to continue to sharpen his route running in order to improve his separation on the next level, but his size, hands and ability to block in the running game could land him in the middle rounds with a chance to become an eventual starter.

Rd. 3 #94 ILB BJ Goodson (acquired in trade with Denver Broncos for QB Collin Kaepernick)

My Comments: Honestly don't know too much about Goodson other than that we've shown interest in him, he's an all-round talented player, who is physical and can take on blockers allowing Bowman to roam and be the playmaker he is. WIll compete with Hodges and Wilhoite for playing time, but most likely be a reserve this year with a chance to start down the line.

6'1" Height 33 1/4" Arm Length 242LBS. Weight 10" Hands

Analysis

Strengths Team captain and leader on that side of the ball. Surprising production as a one-year starter. Stocky with a muscular build to withstand the rigors inside. Brings a thumper's mentality to the field. Uses potent punch-and-shed technique full of leverage and power to attack second level blockers. Took it to Notre Dame's Nick Martin. Willing to sacrifice body to disrupt blocking and play flow. Plays with base and balance and able to slide under blocks to work into tackles. Has play strength to challenge turn-out blocks and leverage his gap. Rarely cheated as a tackler.

Weaknesses Hip stiffness leads to athletic limitations in space. Lumbering pursuit speed to the perimeter. Allows running backs a fair shot at turning the corner when he's chasing. Little margin for error with angles to the ball. Still learning patience in his flow to prevent cutback lanes. Labored backpedal in space. Grabby in coverage and could be in trouble when matched up in space. Play-action can cause him to lose his bearings.

Bottom Line Physical, two-day linebacker with the desire to scrape downhill and strike what he sees. Goodson's lack of pursuit speed and overall athleticism could be troubling to teams, but his toughness and consistency of effort will appeal to teams who value force in the middle. Goodson could figure on the third day of the draft as a backup with eventual starter potential.

4th Rd. #133 (compensatory) ILB Jaylon Smith

My Comments: This one doesn't need much explanation if you are a 49ers fan given our penchant for ACL players and Smith's talent when healthy.

6'2" Height 33" Arm Length 223LBS. Weight 9 1/2" Hands

Analysis

Strengths Angular, sinewy build with a body fat number you could count on one hand. Checks every size, weight, speed and athleticism box there is. Can sink hips and change direction with suddenness in space. Has length and quickness for extended playmaking radius. Racked up 225 tackles over his last two seasons as a starter. Lightning quick lateral scrapes from gap to gap following track of the ball. Able to transition from scrape to spring seamlessly. Has a turbo boost to race running backs to the corner. Tries to meet oncoming blocks with physical punch and desired arm extension to stay clean. Adequate speed to diagnose and respond. Play speed is elite for the position. Very talented in man coverage. Asked to take on challenging man coverage responsibilities and responded. Has tools to become an excellent blitzer.

Weaknesses Tackles for loss production doesn't match up with his traits. Too passive in his approach preferring to wait on plays rather than racing downhill to own them. Not strong enough at point of attack to maintain balance and positioning when blockers get into his frame. Understands angles to the ball, but still learning shortcuts through the gaps. Flies after the ball with reckless abandon failing to come to balance as a tackler. Has habit of lunging into arm tackles rather than using feet to work into better tackling position. Missed 11 tackles this year. Tore ACL and MCL in his bowl game and his rookie season is in doubt.

Bottom Line In this day and age of "tweeners" being labeled "hybrid" players, Smith is the rare commodity who is truly hybrid in the sense that he has the athleticism, speed and physical makeup to play any linebacker spot in either the 3-4 or the 4-3. Smith was productive but slightly miscast in the middle of the Notre Dame defense and is better suited to play in space as a 4-3 outside linebacker. However, his length and upfield burst could draw the attention of a 3-4 team looking to transition him into a rush linebacker while utilizing his rare cover skills. News regarding Smith's injury and potential issues surrounding recovery have created doubt regarding his draft stock and his final landing spot will be determined by a team's medicals. Without the injury issues, he's one of the top player's in this draft

5th Rd. #142 CB Eric Murray

My Comments: Competitor and fighter, who showed well at the Senior Bowl and displayed enough athleticism and speed at the combine to suggest with some technique work that he could turn into something down the line.

5'11" Height 31 3/4" Arm Length 199LBS. Weight 9" Hands

Analysis

Strengths Plays with excellent technique when running vertically with wideouts. Maintains good positioning and crowds receiver's chest forcing him against the sideline. Looks to smother any and every route underneath from press man coverage. Talented in trial technique. Uses a quick jab to the shoulder that can be very effective on unsuspecting targets. Not content to ride blocks and battles to get to a tackle in his area. Disciplined in zone coverage. Able to maintain focus on quarterback and wide receiver. Will look to make a play outside his area if he thinks he can jump the throw. Adequate closeout burst to the ball.

Weaknesses Tight in his hips with a labored transition from press coverage. Tightness causes momentary stalling when changing directions laterally putting him behind in his coverage. Let's weight drift outside his framework causing balance issues. Needs to widen base a little to improve his balance. Top-end speed looks average on tape. Doesn't have mentality of a small cornerback but his size is a detriment outside. Can be locked down by big, physical receivers when attempting to do his part against the run.

Bottom Line Too small to play outside, but has enough cover skills and toughness against the run to make it in the league as a slot cornerback. Murray's instincts and vision serve him well in zone coverage, which might be where he is at his best, but he shouldn't be considered limited to just zone-based defenses. He will be challenged by quality quarterback play at the Senior Bowl and a good week there could solidify him in the middle rounds.

Rd. 5 #145 OT/OG Rees Odhiambo

My Comments: If healthy, he is a very good fit for a zone blocking scheme. Could take much of the year to recover from his ankle injury and compete the following year for a guard spot.

6'4" Height 33 1/4" Arm Length 314LBS. Weight 9 5/8" Hands

Analysis

Strengths Played tackle in college but will be considered at both tackle and guard and carries some two-position value. Looks great on the hoof with muscle and thickness throughout his frame. Flexible hips and knees and should be able to drop his pad level as guard in the pros. Uses wide, well-balanced base and possesses above-average body control. Tough, technique-driven approach. Uses feet to close distance with target rather than reaching, leaning and panicking. Able to maintain power when moving laterally. Has athleticism and body control to be effective pulling guard and zone scheme fit as right tackle or guard. Keeps eyes up and on his target at all times. Can mirror and punch with inside hands. Upper body strength and hip snap to turn opponent as base blocker. Has heavy hands and makes defenders feel it when he lands.

Weaknesses Suffered a broken ankle that knocked him out for the season in late October. Has had to cope with injuries during his time at Boise. Never played a full season of football. Despite his physical talent, will let blocks get away from him that appear to be secured. Can be late with his hands. Not as tall or long as NFL teams are looking for from NFL tackles. Will need to prove he can play with faster hands if he bumps inside to guard. At times lingers with his punch opening him up to issues with crafty interior defenders. Would like to see him snatch and maintain his grasp rather than just punching and pushing. Despite his bend, doesn't always generate the leverage he should at the point of attack.

Bottom Line Well-built college tackle who NFL evaluators are projecting inside to guard. Has the footwork and technique to allow a team to give him a shot at right tackle first. Odhiambo is a coachable, team-oriented player who has the temperament, frame and strength needed to play inside, but NFL teams have serious concerns about his medicals right now. Odhiambo's pro day produced disappointing athletic testing, which means he's not where he needs to be and that will likely cost him in this draft.

Rd. 5 #174 (compensatory) OLB Dadi Nicholas

My Comment: Tenacious and extremely athletic. All the measurable that Baalke could hope for aside from weight and functional strength. Will have to get in weight room, but has a chance as a situational pass rusher. Should push Lemonier off team.

6'3" Height 34 3/4" Arm Length 235LBS. Weight 10 3/8" Hands

Analysis

Strengths Has lightning quick inside moves, including spin, that can catch slow-footed tackles sleeping. Long-strider with the acceleration and lateral quickness to create problems when twisting inside. Plays with desired upfield burst. As pass rusher, can brush aside lazy outside hand placement to open door around the edge. Forced two fumbles and recovered two more in 2015. Miscast with hand in the ground and over-matched physically, but was always willing to compete and battle the man across from him. Has experience as outside linebacker. Bouncy athleticism in space and looks natural dropping into space. Good burst to make up ground quickly while chasing the ball. Runs through tackles with as much force as he can muster with his size.

Weaknesses Looks more like a safety than an edge player. Two years of tape show alarming lack of functional strength. Easily redirected as pass rusher and washed down against the run. Not a physical player by nature. Labors to disengage. Can be controlled by by quality tight ends at the point of attack. Avoids contact at times to stay clean rather than stacking and shedding. Edge-setting always an issue as an end or outside linebacker. Below average instincts against the run. Thin lower body foreshadows inability to generate speed to power. Needs to eliminate false step from his get off. Below average body control in space overrunning plays that are there to be made.

Bottom Line Wiry edge player forced to play too often with a hand in the ground despite his clear lack of power to handle the the position. Nicolas combines hustle and exciting athletic traits that will have evaluators trying to find a place for him, but without better technique and overall strength, life as an edge player might be difficult. If a team is willing to be patient, it might be worth taking a look at Nicolas as a 3-4 inside linebacker.

Rd. 6 #178 traded to KC Chiefs for RB/WR DeAnthony Thomas

My Comment: A gadget player that was recruited by Chip Kelly. Dynamic special teams player, who would allow Bruce Ellington to focus on a slot role that I think he can excel at.

5'9" Height 29 7/8" Arm Length 174LBS. Weight 8 1/8" Hands

Analysis

Strengths Has legit big-time sprinter's speed with very quick turnover and is field-fast. Cat-quick to the corner, accelerates very quickly and can easily take the perimeter. Good vision and cutback ability -- is patient and follows his blocks. Can tightrope-walk the sideline. Very quick to and through the hole once he sees a crease and can stick his foot in the dirt and go. Catches in stride with ease and can make difficult one-handed snags (see Arizona). Has home-run speed in the return game, with three career return TDs. Exceptional pro day performance

Weaknesses Very small. Does not play in a conventional-style offense and takes most carries moving laterally. Goes down too easily and looks for a soft landing spot. Lacks the size, strength and toughness to be an every-down back. Alligator-arms the ball in the middle of the field. Needs to learn to appreciate the preparation process and would benefit from working more at his craft.

Bottom Line A deluxe, specialty back and potential slot receiver with game-breaking return ability, Thomas can be an explosive mismatch weapon in multiple facets of the game. Diminutive stature will decrease the odds he'll be able to stay healthy in the pros, and his commitment to the game will dictate his future success. Rare speed creates a higher commodity on draft day.

Rd. 6 #211 (compensatory) WR/TE Devon Cajuste

My Comment: We would look to develop Cajuste as an H-back/Swiis-army knife, who has the size, hands and athleticism to block and cause mismatches in the middle of the field and the red zone.

6'4" Height 33" Arm Length 234 LBS. Weight 10 3/4" Hands

Analysis

Strengths Tall with a muscular frame. Play strength is above average and will fight for positioning. Reliable pass catcher with powerful hands. Able to post up and win the contested catch. Has traits to transition to H-back. Clean footwork and movements in his routes with a decent double move. Has some deceptive quickness out of stemming routes. Will work middle of the field without fear. Handles his responsibilities as a blocker. Good red zone target due to size and toughness.

Weaknesses Below average athlete for the position. Missing burst off the line and lacks second gear to generate push upfield to threaten cornerbacks. Cornerbacks will sit on his routes. Separation against NFL cornerbacks will be a struggle. Not a threat after the catch. Might not offer much special teams value.

Bottom Line If this evaluation were purely as a receiving prospect, the draft grade would be lower; however, Cajuste might carry a higher grade as an H-back or tight end which are the two positions where he should project. Cajuste is a willing blocker who also carries some third down and goal line value as a pass catcher which is why we are projecting him as an H-back or move tight end.

Rd. 6 #213 (compensatory) QB Vernon Adams

My Comments: Pretty accurate passer with a strong arm. Knows the system and displays elusiveness and ability to throw on the run that will make him a nice developmental QB for Chip Kelly.

Analysis

Strengths Produced at a high level during his single season in the Ducks offense. Recognizes danger and typically avoids it. Only one of six interceptions due to decision-making. Shows ability to get through progressions. No hesitation to bounce to next read if he spies too much congestion with primary reads. Throws with adequate touch to all levels. Has foot quickness to depart compressed pockets from variety of angles to extend play and complete passes. Packaged play potential.

Weaknesses Short, light and small hands. High-end yards per attempt slightly misleading due to scheme. Below average anticipation outside of single read route combinations. Field vision marginal. Fails to see early, easy throws. Extended release time waiting for throwing windows to open wide. Forces offensive line into extended pass protection and high sack total (26). Hesitant to challenge secondary between the hashes. Antsy feet in pocket and prefers to leave and look over sitting tight. Has long windup with slightly below 3/4 delivery. Ball placement needs improvement.

Bottom Line Extremely undersized for the position, Adams had success at Oregon despite just one season within its scheme. He doesn't have optimal anticipation or field vision and missed big play opportunities as they were opening. Adams can hit deep balls on scramble throws and won't take unnecessary chances, but teams might pass on him due to "system and size" concerns. I wouldn't close the door on his chances to make a team due to athleticism and play-making potential in packaged plays.