2017 NFL Draft: San Francisco 49ers End-of-March 7-Round Mock Draft
What do John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan put together for the San Francisco 49ers in this seven-round mock for the 2017 NFL Draft?
The 2017 NFL Draft is important for all 32 teams. The draft is the time where teams can add impact long-term assets to their roster without paying premium prices in free agency. However, for the rebuilding San Francisco 49ers, the 2017 NFL Draft is even more important than for most teams.
The 49ers' roster is pretty much a wasteland filled with uninspiring talent. The organization hired John Lynch as a first time general manager this offseason and paired him with first-time head coach Kyle Shanahan. Both Lynch and Shanahan were given six-year contracts to come clean up the mess in San Francisco. Simply put, they are in this for the long haul.
The 49ers are clearly not looking for a quick fix. They want to build a roster that can sustain success over a long period of time. However, in order for that to happen, Shanahan and Lynch must connect on draft picks throughout the 2017 NFL Draft. It all starts with the second overall selection where the 49ers have to decide whether to take a quarterback or land one of the defensive stars in the class.
Shanahan and Lynch must get these picks right and it is going to be extremely interesting to see what they pull off. I put together an interesting scenario in this mock draft that I think would greatly improve the long-term health of the 49ers' roster.
Here is a complete seven-round 2017 NFL mock draft for the San Francisco 49ers.
This mock draft was completed using the Fan Speak On the Clock Mock Draft Simulator.
Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Solomon Thomas
Defensive Lineman, Stanford
We can pretty much lock in Myles Garrett to the Cleveland Browns with first overall pick. Nothing is official until draft night, but the real intrigue of the 2017 NFL Draft begins with the 49ers at number two.
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If the 49ers have fallen in love with Deshaun Watson or Mitch Trubisky in the draft process, they could easily be the pick here. That being said, with Lynch and Shanahan having so much time to rebuild this roster, I expect them to wait at least a year to figure out their long-term quarterback situation. Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley can keep them afloat for now.
That leads us to the defensive players at the top of this draft and I think that Stanford defensive end Solomon Thomas is the logical choice. Thomas is an athletic edge rusher who shows an explosive first step and the ability to convert his speed into power.
Thomas showcases an impressive combination of quickness and strength that allows him to create pressure from the outside and as an interior pass rusher. He is also an impressive run defender who shows incredible natural instincts in the run game.
The 49ers have invested in their defensive line with the selections of Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner in the first round each of the last two years. However, Thomas is a more natural edge rusher who will be able to create consistent pressure from the outside. Building their new 4-3 defense around that trio of players up front is a smart way to go.
Thomas is a player who can come in and be an immediate contributor and he also has incredible long-term upside. If the 49ers do not want a quarterback, Thomas should be the choice.
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back De'Andre Coley (20) tackles LSU Tigers cornerback Tre'Davious White (18) during a punt return in the second quarter of the game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. LSU won 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Tre'Davious White
Cornerback, LSU
I would not call cornerback a major position of need for the 49ers. However, they simply just need to add good football players to their mix in the 2017 NFL Draft. Tre'Davious White was one of the best players on the board and would undoubtedly be a strong addition to the mix in San Francisco.
White is a fantastic natural coverage cornerback. He does not have elite size for the position (5-11, 192 pounds) but he is big enough to compete. White is a sticky man-to-man defender who has a lot of experience defending talented receivers in the SEC.
His overall speed, quickness and athleticism are strong, but White's natural instincts in coverage are what really stand out. He does an incredible job of mirroring the opposing receiver and reads the quarterback's eyes extremely well. White will not blow scouts away with his size and speed but he is arguably the best cover corner in the 2017 NFL Draft class. What more could you possibly want out of the position?
Adding White to the mix along with Thomas would immediately improve the 49ers' pass defense situation. In today's NFL where the passing game is king, there is not much that is more important than having a strong pass defense.
Oct 22, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Chris Godwin (12) reacts following his touchdown catch against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Godwin
Wide Receiver, Penn State
The 49ers have done a nice job of adding impact talent to the wide receiver position in free agency. Expect both Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin to play major roles for the team in 2017 and beyond. However, they still lack a true number one option on the outside and would be wise to attack the position in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Chris Godwin is an impressive wide receiver who has legitimate number one upside at the next level. Godwin has good size at 6-1, 209 pounds. He is a powerful receiver who can go up and get the ball in traffic.
The Penn State product really exploded onto the draft scene in the Rose Bowl, when he torched USC and their star cornerback Adoree' Jackson for nine receptions, 187 yards and two touchdowns. Godwin showed elite playmaking ability in the Rose Bowl that should translate extremely well to the next level.
Godwin is a big and powerful receiver who shows good quickness and incredible route running ability. He is not a burner on the outside but he makes up for it with great field awareness, consistently showing the ability to find open spaces in the defense.
The 49ers have huge needs at the wide receiver position. They would be wise to add impact talent to the position before they bring in their actual franchise quarterback. Godwin would be an absolute steal in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft for the 49ers.
Sep 12, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Jake Butt (88) runs the ball in the first quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jake Butt
Tight End, Michigan
The 49ers have a lot of tight ends on their roster. The only problem is that, unless you believe that Vance McDonald can finally take that next step, none of them are actually long-term solutions at the positions. I expect the 49ers to keep close tabs on the loaded tight end position in the 2017 NFL Draft.
In this mock draft, Michigan tight end Jake Butt fell into my lap in the fourth round. I had actually considered Butt with the 49ers' third-round pick, but could not pass up on Godwin. Taking Butt in the fourth was an absolute no brainer.
Butt was a productive tight end at Michigan, showing great overall ability as a receiver and strong run blocking skills. He was a probable second round selection early in the draft process but a torn ACL suffered in Michigan's bowl game obviously negatively affected Butt's draft stock. That being said, he may be progressing from the injury better than expected.
Butt told Mike Mayock of NFL Network that his knee is coming along quicker than expected:
"I'm not rushing anything, but I am ahead of schedule," Butt said Friday at Michigan's pro day workout. "I'm doing everything the trainers are asking me to do. I'm right on track. Timetable-wise, it could be as early as mid-July. That would be six months, but it could be as late as October 10th, which would put me at nine months, could be anywhere between then."
If Butt can legitimately return to action in mid-July, then he will not make it until the fourth round. However, this could easily just be optimistic speak by the draft prospect. What was Butt supposed to say? He has plenty to gain from teams thinking he could be back in July. I am not saying that I do not believe Butt, but I express caution here.
Anyway, Butt would be a perfect target for the 49ers. San Francisco does not expect to compete for a Super Bowl in 2017. They would be able to bring Butt along slowly, giving him an opportunity to get ready to start for the team in 2018. If he comes through this knee injury successfully, the 49ers would all of a sudden have a strong long-term starting tight end for the low price of a fourth round selection.
Nov 19, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Pat Elflein (65) celebrates a win over Michigan State Spartans after a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Pat Elflein
Offensive Line, Ohio State
With their compensatory fourth-round selection in this mock draft, the 49ers find an impressive interior offensive lineman. Pat Elflein was the leader of a strong offensive line at Ohio State from the center position. He is lauded for his incredible work ethic and fantastic natural leadership ability. A guy like Elflein would be fantastic for the 49ers to have in the locker room during this rebuild.
Elflein is not the most physically impressive player at the center position but he is a tough and strong player who will create holes in the run game. Elflein's quickness and footwork is a concern, but that is why he is available this late in the draft.
I would not call center a huge position of need for the 49ers. Daniel Kilgore is a solid option at the position. That being said, he consistently struggles with injuries. It would not hurt to have a strong and reliable option behind him. On top of that, Elflein has played some guard in his past. He would also provide strong insurance behind the 49ers' disappointing guard duo of Zane Beadles and Joshua Garnett.
Simply put, Elflein is a good football player who can come in and get the job done. He would be a fantastic natural leader in the clubhouse and will never be out worked. The 49ers find some nice value here at the tail end of the fourth round.
Nov 26, 2016; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Boston College Eagles defensive back John Johnson (9) celebrates after a sack in the first quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
John Johnson
Safety, Boston College
Under new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, the 49ers will likely switch to the attacking style of 4-3 defense made famous by the Seattle Seahawks. Saleh spent three years on the defensive side of the ball in Seattle from 2011-2013 and has spent the last three seasons as the linebackers coach for Gus Bradley and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In his defense, the safeties typically have two extremely different responsibilities. The strong safety will play primarily in the box while free safety plays coverage in the deep middle of the field. Think of Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas with the Seahawks.
The 49ers have some nice in-the-box safety options, but they do not have an ideal player to put on the back-end. I considered filling this spot with Budda Baker in the second round, but decided to wait and ended up landing John Johnson in the fifth.
Johnson is an extremely athletic safety who played cornerback early in his college career. He shows fantastic natural coverage instincts has the range to cover the deep middle of the field. Johnson is a bit raw, but he is a talented player who could become a massive steal in the fifth round.
I like the idea of the 49ers taking a shot on Johnson and giving him an opportunity to nail down that coverage safety role. He certainly has the upside to be a playmaker on the back-end. If Johnson takes well to the role, the 49ers have found a long-term option at an important position in their defense. If not, his athleticism would play well on special teams. Selecting Johnson in the fifth round would be a smart value pick.
Oct 1, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; North Carolina Tarheels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) before the game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Sam Tevi
Offensive Tackle, Utah
Sam Tevi is a converted defensive lineman who has some nice upside at the next level. Tevi shows quick feet and strong overall pass protection ability. He is an extremely raw talent who needs to work on his technique at the next level, but Tevi has the skills to be a contributor.
He could be a nice swing tackle option for the 49ers who could even jump in and fill their need for a starting right tackle if he progresses well. A nice grab at upside in the middle of the fifth round.
Ryan Switzer
Wide Receiver, North Carolina
We talked about the 49ers' need for help at wide receiver earlier and they find a huge potential steal here in the sixth round. Ryan Switzer is a quick and athletic slot receiver who shows the natural ability to get open in the middle of the field.
Switzer shines on inside routes, showing the short-area quickness needed to dominate in slants, quick outs and drag routes. Make no mistake about it, Switzer is a potential impact player at the next level. He would have to fight for playing time in San Francisco, but Switzer would have an opportunity to step in and become a real difference maker.
Fantastic late round value for the 49ers here.
Dec 19, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina A&T Aggies running back Tarik Cohen (28) runs the ball against the Alcorn State Braves in the fourth quarter of the 2015 Celebration Bowl at the Georgia Dome. North Carolina A&T defeated Alcorn State 41-34. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Tarik Cohen
Running Back, North Carolina A&T
Just a few picks after stealing Switzer in the sixth round of this mock draft, the 49ers find another potentially explosive playmaker. Tarik Cohen left North Carolina A&T as the all-time leading rusher in the MEAC conference. He was also a three-time conference Offensive Player of the Year and was named an FCS All-American for his play in his senior season.
Cohen measured at a laughably small 5-6, 179 pounds at the combine. But there is nothing funny about his play on the field. Cohen is an extremely quick and elusive runner who is nearly impossible to tackle one-on-one in open space. He is a fantastic natural receiver out of the backfield who can take to to the house from anywhere on the field.
Darren Sproles is the easy comparision here and it certainly fits. Simply put, Cohen is a playmaker with the ball in his hands. He is a gimmicky player, but Cohen would bring some much-needed explosion to the 49ers offense.
Steven Taylor
Linebacker, Houston
With their final pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the 49ers find a linebacker prospect with a bit of upside. Steven Taylor was a jack-of-all-trades in college, playing both inside linebacker and edge rusher for Houston.
Taylor is listed at 6-1, 225 pounds. He is simply not big enough to play with his hand on the ground at the next level. That being said, he has the athleticism and explosive ability to perhaps be a capable rusher from the linebacker position. At worst, his athletic ability should play on special teams.
