Perfect Picks: San Francisco 49ers
With the NFL Draft approaching we will be looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we will run a seven round mock using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator and find the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.
We will highlight four players that could help each team. This will feature picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper.
Round 2 - Sam Williams, Edge, Ole Miss
When you have pieces like Arik Armstead and Nick Bosa along the defensive front you don’t need another stud, but extra ammo is always welcome. Sam Williams from Ole Miss would be an excellent foil for the group. He is a speed rusher with nice dip to get around the edge. There were some off-field issues teams will seek assurances about but that could benefit the 49ers who have to wait until pick 61 to take part in this year’s draft. He was responsible for 61 pressures including 13 sacks and should bring that production to the NFL, if opposite Bosa.
Round 3 - Marquis Hayes, Offensive Guard, Oklahoma
Sometimes you don’t need to overcomplicate a prospect. Marquis Hayes fits that mould. A mauling, 6’5, 324lbs left guard whose bulk and power jumps off the screen. He has some heavy hands and delivered powerful blows throughout Senior Bowl week. On the face of it, he would make an excellent replacement for the potentially departing Laken Tomlinson. Hayes might not wow fans initially but has the potential to start from day 1.
Mid Round Gem - Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA
Cornerback is quite clearly one of, if not the most, important gaps the 49ers will likely have on their roster going into the draft. Veteran Josh Norman and nickelback K’Waun Williams are set to leave in free agency. Bringing one back and signing another free agent looks likely. That said a draft addition may also be needed. Tariq Woolen might just be the most intriguing corner in the draft. With mouthwatering size and speed, the converted receiver is going to need some help in development but has a sky-high ceiling. He may not be ready to go early in his career but is worth sticking a pin in.
Late Round Sleeper - Chance Campbell, LB, Ole Miss
We head back to Oxford for our late-round sleeper. Middle linebacker Chance Campbell was a transfer to Ole Miss from Maryland and only spent a single season with the Rebals. He didn’t quite live up to the standard he set with the Terps and missed tackles were an issue. However, at 6’2 he has good size and at the Shrine Bowl showed the ability to work through traffic and some athletic upside. He would be a solid backup for Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw and an immediate contributor on special teams.
Draft In Full:
61. Sam Williams, DE, Ole Miss
93. Marquis Hayes, G, Oklahoma
102. Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA
133. Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa
172. Bo Melton, WR, Rutgers
186. Aqeel Glass, QB, Alabama A&M
252. Teagan Quitoriano, TE, Oregon State
255. Chance Campbell, LB, Ole Miss
262. Andrew Stueber, G, Michigan
