2017 NFL Draft: San Francisco 49ers Post-Free Agency 7-Round Mock Draft
After making some much needed moves in free agency the San Francisco 49ers head into the 2017 NFL draft looking to build a solid foundation for their current attempt at a rebuild
Things change quickly in the NFL. That's even more true when it comes to the San Francisco 49ers. This team has changed coaches three times in the past three years and now a whole new regime is set to make some decisions during the 2017 NFL Draft.
In 2015 they replaced head coach Jim Harbaugh with his assistant Jim Tomsula. The new coach was given just one year on the job before general manager Trent Baalke bailed on the decision to hire him.
Baalke then hired Chip Kelly to be the coach, despite seeing Kelly just run the Philadelphia Eagles directly into the ground. Again they gave him just one season before pulling the plug, but at least this time the executives realized that Baalke was failing too. He was released as well and a search was on for some new bosses in San Fran.
Kyle Shanahan was tabbed as the head coach and John Lynch was moved from the booth as an announcer to the role of general manager. Up to this point they look like they're making sound moves. They brought in receivers Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin as well as quarterback Brian Hoyer.
Now they head into the 2017 NFL draft hoping to pick up some more depth all along their roster. This seven round mock attempts to guess how those seven rounds could play out for the San Francisco 49ers.
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Round 1, Pick 2: Jonathan Allen, DL — Alabama
Signing Brian Hoyer as quarterback was a highly underrated move. The last season he was a full-time starter, he owned a rating of 91.4 and went for 2,606 yards with 19 touchdowns and seven picks. That was in just nine starts for the Houston Texans. In five starts for the Chicago Bears last season, he had a rating of 98.0 and went for 1,445 yards with six touchdowns and zero picks.
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That means over the past two season in 17 total games played, with 14 starts, Hoyer has gone for 4,051 yards with 27 touchdowns and six picks. He's not going to be confused with a franchise quarterback, but he is a legitimate starter.
His signing frees the San Francisco 49ers up to draft the best player available with the second overall pick. Some whispers are floating around that the Cleveland Browns will take quarterback Mitchell Trubisky first, but that probably won't happen. In this mock they take Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett, so the Niners go with the next best defensive lineman in Alabama's Jonathan Allen.
He's experienced in a pro-style system and can excel either as an end or tackle. The 290-pound Allen recorded double digit sacks in each of the past two seasons and is easily a top five talent in any draft.
Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Teez Tabor speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Round 2, Pick 34: Teez Tabor, CB — Florida
With the second pick in the second round, the San Francisco 49ers decide to try and add a talented cornerback in Jalen "Teez" Tabor from Florida. Tabor was once considered a very high pick in the draft, but a poor showing in the 40-yard dash hurt his stock.
There were already questions about Tabor's top-end speed, but then running a 4.62 made those questions multiply. For that reason he slips into Round 2 in this mock, but not too far into it as the Niners decide to trust the game film Tabor put out there rather than his inability to perform in an olympic-style sprint.
Tabor battles against the best of the college world while playing for the Gators and wound up with 104 tackles, 28 pass defenses and eight interceptions. He also had another early-round talent opposite him in Quincy Wilson, which means no one was able to just avoid his side of the field. Thanks to that, there is plenty of tape to judge his game on and the 49ers will be more than happy with the player they get. Tabor will be another in a long line of talented Gators cornerbacks to make it in the NFL.
Nov 28, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels receiver Quinshad Davis (14) is tackled by North Carolina State Wolfpack defensive back Josh Jones (2) after a reception during the first half at Carter Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Round 3, Pick 66: Josh Jones, SS — North Carolina State
The good picks keep on coming. With an early third round selection (No. 66 overall), the San Francisco 49ers pick up North Carolina State safety Josh Jones. The team is in need of a strong safety, and Jones fits that bill.
It wasn't too long ago that it seemed like the Niners were incredibly well off at the position. After using a first-round pick on Eric Reid out of LSU in 2013, they then spent another first-round pick in 2014 on Norther Illinois University safety Jimmie Ward.
Rather than pairing the two together, they ended up putting Reid as the deep safety and moved the 193-pound Ward out wide to cornerback. He is much better suited for that role, but the team can now use a hard hitting enforcer in the strong position. That's exactly what Jones brings.
At 220 pounds, Jones put up a 4.41-second time int the 40-yard dash. His incredible speed shows how he was able run sideline-to-sideline while recording 109 tackles as a junior in 2016. He does need to clean up his angles some and avoid over-pursuing, but there are definitely starter traits in his game.
Sep 17, 2016; Boone, NC, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Danny Isidora (63) lines up during the second quarter against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Kidd Brewer Stadium. Miami defeated App State 45-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Round 4, Pick 109: Danny Isidora, G — Miami
Finally some offense for the 49ers. They spent a first-round pick on Stanford guard Joshua Garnett last season and continue to try to add some strength to the line with Miami's Danny Isidora with this mid-round pick. Isidora is one of the better guard prospects this season but is still available in this mock as teams make a run on some of the skill positions that are loaded in this draft.
That's a good thing for the Niners because they get a solid athlete, but one who has to improve his power game according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.
Isidora is an athletic guard with good size and above-average hands who plays with a base that can get too wide. He has the lateral quickness to be a fit for teams looking to get their guards out in space, but his issues anchoring against bull-rushes at Senior Bowl were a concern. Isidora has enough talent to become a starter, but his issues holding up against power could derail those plans if he doesn't address them.
He may not be a starter right away but has the ability to become one eventually. That's all you can ask for from a fourth-round pick.
Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot participates in a workout drill during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Round 4, Pick 143 (Compensatory): Dawuane Smoot, Edge — Illinois
San Francisco goes defense for a third time in four picks by taking Illinois edge rusher Dawuane Smoot. The reason for such a focus on defense is because of the focus on offense the team had during free agency. They picked up a couple starters on that end, but need to do the same for defense.
They aren't terrible on defense talent-wise, but the team as a whole could use an infusion of youth. Their depth was also incredibly questionable.
As for Smoot, this one is all about value. At one point the 6-3, 264-pounder had a big season in 2015. He recorded 39 tackles and seven sacks as a junior and that had hopes high for him entering his final year with the Fighting Illini. It ended up being a let-down year as the senior had just five sacks on the season.
He did have a career high with 56 tackles and was a pleasant surprise in the run game. Smoot is a very powerful edge defender who worked with former Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith last season, which means he did have some great teaching from an NFL quality coach.
Nov 19, 2016; Laramie, WY, USA; Wyoming Cowboys running back Brian Hill (5) scores a touchdown against the San Diego State Aztecs during the second quarter at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Round 5, Pick 146: Brian Hill, RB — Wyoming
Running back Carlos Hyde was a lone bright spot for the 49ers last season. he put up 988 yards on 217 carries which was good for 4.6 yards per rush. He had six touchdowns on the ground and added another three through the air to go along with his 27 receptions for 163 yards.
Behind Hyde was just sad. Shaun Draughn rushed 74 times for 196 yards which was good for just 2.6 yards per attempt as the primary second back. To recap, San Francisco needs a backup runner who can spell Hyde and offer something worthwhile should Hyde get injured.
With their first of two fifth-round picks, they grab Wyoming running back Brian Hill. The underclassmen leaves school after his junior season in which he went for 1,860 yards and 22 scores. This was after a sophomore season in which Hill rumbled for 1,631 yards and six touchdowns.
At 6-1 and 219 pounds, Hill has the size to wear defenses down. What he doesn't have is an impressive resume as a pass catcher. He had just eight receptions in his final season and never scored a touchdown through the air. Despite that he would be worth a pick here as his value as a downhill runner can't be argued.
Mar 3, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baylor wide receiver K.D. Cannon speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Round 5, Pick 160: K.D. Cannon, WR — Baylor
After letting go of the disappointing free agent pick up from Baltimore, Torrey Smith, San Fran brought in Pierre Garcon to be a number one wide out. They also got Aldrick Robinson for depth at the receiver spot and Marquise Goodwin to provide a legitimate deep threat.
They decide resting on their laurels isn't prudent, so with their second pick in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select Baylor receiver K.D. Cannon. Measuring in at 5-11 and 182 pounds, Cannon ran well at the combine with a 4.41-second 40-yard dash. He also impressed with a 37-inch vertical jump.
Those numbers help him some, but he isn't considered a complete prospect. Cannon played in a pass heavy offense which hasn't produced incredible talent consistently. More often than not, players from the Baylor system haven't lived up to standards at the pro level.
With his deep speed and ability to win leap balls, Cannon could be an exception. He posted over 1,000 yards as a freshman, and in 2016 as a junior. He also recorded 27 touchdowns for his career and is a threat to take it to the house at any given moment.
Oct 22, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive tackle DeAngelo Brown (97) lines up against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the second half at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Louisville defeated North Carolina State 54-13. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Round 6, Pick 186: Deangelo Brown, DT — Louisville
With their sixth round pick, the 49ers go back to the defensive line and grab Louisville defensive tackle Deangelo Brown. He may not be a household name, but that's the norm with 310-pound space eaters like Brown. He is considered a good fit in either a 3-4 or 4-3 system according to the people over at DraftBlaster.com.
A powerful nose tackle prospect, that is very difficult to move off the ball. Probably best fits as 3-4 nose, but could be valuable to a 4-3 defense looking for a run stopping anchor. Strong base, and pushes offensive lineman back with regularity. Blue collar player that will take the double teams to free up players around him.
His ability to perform in either system means that Brown could help the Niners, whether they stick with the 3-4 defense or if they move to the 4-3 as many assume they will. Brown recorded 40 tackles in each of the last two seasons and had 13 tackles as a loss as a senior.
The interior of the line could be crowded next season with a switch to a 4-3 after signing Earl Mitchell. They may also move either Arik Armstead, or DeForest Buckner inside. Should they keep either of them on the edge, Brown could add valuable depth.
Jul 14, 2016; Hollywood, CA, USA; Utah Utes offensive lineman J.J. Dielman during Pac-12 media day at Hollywood & Highland. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Round 6, Pick 202: J.J. Dielman, OL — Utah
More offensive line help is on the way for the niners. This time they turn to the other Utah tackle in J.J. Dielman. He started across from Garett Bolles, but got nowhere near as much attentoin. At 6-5 and 309 pounds, he seems to have the height and weight to play tackle at the next level, but scouts are concerned about his arm length.
For that reason, he could slide inside and has experience at center. The 49ers could pick him up in hopes that he can offer some flexibility as a backup. What helps a team more than anything is being able to cover more than one spot with an active game day position.
With just 46 spots available, many teams like to use swing tackles and an interior lineman capable of playing all three inside spots. Often the more versatile player can even fnd himself ahead of a better overall player who just plays one position.
Dielman could be extremely helpful with his experience all along the line. While serving as the primary backup interior player, it would also be nice to know he can swing out wide in a pinch and help his team.
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Round 7, Pick 219: Eric Saubert, TE — Drake
With their final pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select Drake tight end Eric Saubert. He had an impressive 22 reps in the bench press and has great measurables at 6-5 and 253 pounds. However, according to one anonymous NFL scout who spoke up for NFL.com's draft profile, those numbers don't translate to the field:
He's body beautiful but he can't catch. I don't think it's correctable either. I just think he doesn't see the ball well and doesn't have good hand-eye. You are drafting an athlete and not a tight end if you take him.
Despite his short comings Saubert recorded 56 receptions for 776 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Pioneer football team located in Des Moines, IA. Of course, the Bulldogs don't play against elite talent, so those numbers need to be taken with a grain of salt and his inconsistent play and lack of coordination as defined by the unnamed scout is a big reason for long term concern.
For the 49ers taking a flier on an athlete like him makes sense though. They currently have two capable tight ends in Vance McDonald and Garrett Celek. Neither are fantastic, but both are good enough to get the job done and, if someone like Saubert develops for them, then great.
