Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia

Not sure if any of you Remember the Rose bowl game... third quarter I believe.. where he took the RB head on and broke his face mask??
Fkn loved that hit. Kid is solid. We lack depth and talent at the spot so I don't see how we can go wrong here. (Then it's a premium bonus if Foster winds up working out)

Originally posted by 49erBigMac:

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by 49erBigMac:
Name the last really good LB who changed teams in their prime?

I have no problem with Landry, he just isn't as good as Roquan.

The easiest way to attack this defences is with quick passes, an elite hook defender, who can pattern match, is as important as an edge rusher, just isn't as sexy.

Besides, our interior rush is elite (well will be) so edge just has to be pretty good.

So there's isn't any coverage LBers in this draft? I thought we had fine interior pass rush last yr, we couldn't get s**t on the edge and it showed. Landry helps that interior pass rush get home.

They paid a good chunk of change to Malcom smith and he's gonna earn it this yr.

Of course there are, just like there are other pass rushers, they're just not as good as the guys at #9.

Malcolm Smith was a band aid and you know it, he's no better than Attachou or Cassius Marsh.

Plus people keep banging on that you can't find an edge rusher anywhere but the draft, however Vinny Curry, JPP and Robert Quinn changed teams this year, who was the best LB?

They are both big needs, I just want to get the best players we can.

I agree with the last statement. Both Smith and Landry have good floors. IMO Smith has an easier path to reach his ceiling. For Landry, my main hesitation is whether he can develop some more pop in his hands.

I want Harquan Landith.

The difference for me is that I can see Roquan Smith being one of the best LB's in the league pretty early, I saw everything I needed to, he is as good as any coming out since Kuechly and I think he will only get better with an NFL weight program.

With Landry I saw flashes of what I needed to, I saw someone who has a long way to go to be one of the best. I'm not closing the door, because I could see him getting there, but it is a projection.

If we grade them similarly then pick Landry, it is harder to find pass rushers, but don't pass on the better player who fits the scheme to a tee, that by the way, includes that if Nelson is there I draft him over both.

Originally posted by mayo49:

I want Harquan Landith.

This

Where he tops foster is leadership. He can be the glue that holds the defense together.

Originally posted by 49erBigMac:
The difference for me is that I can see Roquan Smith being one of the best LB's in the league pretty early, I saw everything I needed to, he is as good as any coming out since Kuechly and I think he will only get better with an NFL weight program.

With Landry I saw flashes of what I needed to, I saw someone who has a long way to go to be one of the best. I'm not closing the door, because I could see him getting there, but it is a projection.

If we grade them similarly then pick Landry, it is harder to find pass rushers, but don't pass on the better player who fits the scheme to a tee, that by the way, includes that if Nelson is there I draft him over both.

IMO Landry helps the defense overall more. BUT is Smith is the pick let's roll. IF landry is the pick let's roll.

Originally posted by socalniner:
Where he tops foster is leadership. He can be the glue that holds the defense together.

we got Sherman now as well.

I'm seeing predictions the colts take him....sigh

Originally posted by mayo49:
I want Harquan Landith.

lol

Right now I'm sold on Landry but, love the idea of the 49ers maintaining an elite lb corps reminiscent of Willis and Bowman. Either way this draft is going to be one of the most exciting in years. Same can be said about the upcoming season. It's a good time to be a 49er fan.

Originally posted by mayo49:

I want Harquan Landith.

Okay, who broke Mayo?

Originally posted by jvangeystel:
Right now I'm sold on Landry but, love the idea of the 49ers maintaining an elite lb corps reminiscent of Willis and Bowman. Either way this draft is going to be one of the most exciting in years. Same can be said about the upcoming season. It's a good time to be a 49er fan.

I hear you, but to Fangio's credit he really molded the scheme to use Willis and Bowman's talents. In the Seattle scheme having the one dynamic linebacker works fine (Wagner). Obviously an Elite player at any position is phenomenal, but not completely necessary within our current scheme.

If the 49ers believe Landry to be a true double digit sack type of player, he is the wiser choice imo. Obviously if Foster wasn't such a dumb s**t it would be an even easier decision to make and the defense would be way ahead than what we are currently facing. Lets remember tho - Bowman and Wagner weren't first round picks, so elite linebackers can be found in rounds 2-4 etc.

Landry with Bucker, Thomas, and (armstead??) + a sweet rotation behind them would be nasty as hell.

I am basically down to Smith or Landry if that choice is even there at 9. Either way I expect defense to get pounded by us this draft - it needs it.

Originally posted by NYniner85:

BUT if Smith is the pick let's roll. IF landry is the pick let's roll.

Pretty much this, the 49ers can't go wrong at 9 with Smith or Landry. I'd also add Fitzpatrick to that list.

Originally posted by Heroism:
6'1", 237 lbs

• 2017 Butkus Award Winner
• 2017 SEC Defensive Player of the Year
• 2017 First-team All-SEC
• 2017 Consensus All-American

This guy is skyrocketing up my draft wishlist. Prototypical ILB in our scheme. Highly athletic, physical and technical player with tremendous instincts, play diagnosis and awareness vs run and pass. He's everywhere on the field. His closing speed is silly and isn't afraid to drop the hammer on somebody. Amazing as a blitzer. Closes in on QBs in the blink of an eye. Roquan reminds me a lot of Deion Jones, who is thriving in ATL in the same system we run. With Reuben now moving to MIKE, Roquan would be a perfect fit at the WILL. They would form a ridiculously athletic and violent tandem of hook players in the middle of the defense.