2017 NFL Mock Draft : San Francisco 49ers Version 1
Surprisingly the San Francisco 49ers off-season has gone well with the hiring of John Lynch as general manager and Kyle Shanahan as head coach. There's still a number of question marks including at quarterback will that happen in this draft? Wait till 2018 where there's more options? Then there's the lack of depth at inside linebacker and the definitive need for a pass rusher.
So, here's a look look at version one of the 49ers 7-round 2017 NFL Mock Draft.
First round pick no.2: Derek Barnett, Defensive End, Tennessee
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Rumors are circulating around Barnett with some indicating that he's even better than projected no.1 overall pick Myles Garrett. Either way, it's a win for the 49ers.
In 2016, Barnett registered 56 tackles including 19 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 16 quarterback hurries, 5 passes defended, forced two fumbles and recorded an interception returned for seven yards.
Second round pick no.34: Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA
Even with the selection of Barnett, the pass rush still needs to get addressed. McKinley is a tremendous athlete and has drawn comparisons to DeMarcus Ware. In 2016 for the Bruins he recorded 61 tackles including 18 for loss, 10 sacks, six passes defended, three quarterback hurries and forced three fumbles.
Third round pick No.66: Juju Smith-Schuster, WR, USC
The 49ers have not had a legitimate no.1 receiver in years. Smith-Schuster has the size, strength and speed to become one. For the Trojans in 2016 he caught 70 passes for 914 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Fourth round pick No.109: Kendell Beckwith, ILB, LSU
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The lack of depth at inside linebacker was on display throughout 2016 season. NaVorro Bowman has shown great progress from his rehab of his Achilles injury and Ray-Ray Armstrong received a contract extension after missing most of last season. Gerald Hodges is a free agent and Nick Bellore is better suited on special teams.
Beckwith finished the 2016 season with 91 tackles including six tackles for loss, a sack, four passes defended and one quarterback hurry.
Fourth round pick no.143: Donnell Pumphrey, RB, San Diego State
Reports have indicated that Shanahan believes that running back Carlos Hyde fits his offense. Still the 49ers need a change of pace back and Pumphrey who set a NCAA record for rushing yards fills that role perfectly.
Fifth round pick no.146: Rayshawn Jenkins, S, Miami
San Francisco will likely cut ties with veteran safety Antoine Bethea who has struggled the past two seasons specifically in coverage. If Jimmy Ward isn't moved from cornerback to safety, Jenkins selections makes a lot of sense. He recorded 76 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss in 2016 along two interceptions, 1.5 sacks, seven passes defended and one quarterback hurry.
Fifth round pick no. 161: Jeremy Sprinkle, TE, Arkansas
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Prior to general manager Trent Baalke's departure, Vance McDonald got a contract extension. Beyond him the 49ers do not have much depth and Sprinkle will help with that. In 2016 he caught 33 passes for 380 yard and four touchdowns.
Sixth round pick no.186: Freddie Stevenson, FB, Florida State University
Last season the 49ers did not use a fullback and are now in need of one. Stevenson helped pave the way for arguably the best running back in the 2017 class in Dalvin Cook. Also, when given the opportunity he did take advantage with 13 carries for 90 yards and four touchdowns and he caught a pass, which also went for a touchdown.
Sixth round pick no. 202: Treston Decoud, CB, Oregon State
With the possibility of Ward being moved to safety the 49ers will need to add depth at cornerback and Decoud fills this role nicely. He is big and physical and in 2016 he recorded 58 tackles and two tackles for loss, two interceptions with one returned for a touchdown and 10 passes defended.
Seventh round pick no.219: Ricky Seals-Jones, WR, Texas A&M
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The potential is there for Seals-Jones to become a threat in the red zone as his height gives him an advantage over most corners. In 2016 he caught 26 passes for 333 yards and a touchdown.
