Draft pundits are mocking a linebacker to the 49ers as early as Round 2
Mock Drafts were somewhat accurate in predicting which direction the San Francisco 49ers would go in the first round of the NFL Draft. How accurate will mocks be on Day 2 of the NFL Draft? Let’s take a look.
SB Nation’s Day 2 mock
Mark Schofield of SB Nation gave the 49ers a nice haul on Friday:
43 – Marcus Mbow – OG – Purdue
Mbow was a player I identified early in the process as someone who could come in and challenge Colton McKivitz at right tackle. He’s on the smaller side, but his athleticism is unreal, and he understands who to block. Mbow at No. 43 would be a terrific pick.
The Athletic’s Day 2 mock
Nick Baumgardner gave the Niners another SEC defensive lineman:
43. San Francisco 49ers: Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M
In Round 1, the 49ers grabbed a potential star in freaky Georgia edge Mykel Williams. But San Francisco still needs help along its defensive front and Turner (6-3, 290) is an explosive, twitched-up pocket pusher who’d fit the bill.
75. San Francisco 49ers: Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary
100. San Francisco 49ers*: Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
Turner fits the bill as a player who plays through the whistle, has a high motor, and exhibits some first-step explosion, complemented by his strength. He’ll need to develop a pass-rush plan.
Williams is popular on social media, but I have reservations about him being anything more than your run-of-the-mill wideout in the NFL. He has more issues than the highlights going around.
ESPN
Matt Miller, who is a 49ers fan, surprises at 43:
Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
It should not be ignored that tight end George Kittle is not attending offseason workouts. Kittle has been brilliant, but he’s entering his age-32 season and the 49ers have enough salary cap worries that giving him a long-term deal might not be in the cards. Taylor is a middle-of-the-field magician and a polished all-around tight end.
Taylor, like Mykel Williams, is one of the youngest players in the draft. It would be somewhat of a luxury pick, but I had Taylor rated higher than Tyler Warren. His ceiling is sky-high.
Bleacher Report
Bleacher Report has the 49ers taking a linebacker at No. 43 overall:
43. San Francisco 49ers: LB Carson Schwesinger, UCLA (7.4)
75. San Francisco 49ers: WR Jayden Higgins, Iowa State (7.4)
100. San Francisco 49ers*: DL Deone Walker, Kentucky (7.0)
You could make an argument that the first two picks are luxury picks. You could also argue that they’re the best player available. Schwesinger is a coverage merchant. His feel in coverage and overall athleticism are impressive. Schwesinger doesn’t willingly take on blocks, so the 49ers would need to continue to upgrade along the defensive line to help Schwesinger.
Higgins would be fun. Shanahan would understand how and where to use him. He’s not a boundary receiver, but when you get him on the move, you can see Higgins’ athleticism. He’s the better one of the Iowa State receivers.
Walker is an intriguing player who has pass-rush upside. He’s also 331 pounds and a 3-year junior. Once he gets stronger and his stamina gets better, Walker’s potential is worth the top-100 pick.
NBC Sports
43) San Francisco 49ers: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
(75) San Francisco 49ers: Logan Brown, OT, Kansas
For whatever reason, they stopped after pick No. 96 and did not include comp picks in their mock. Amos is a competitive player. He can play. I have no idea who Brown is, but I imagine Dominick Puni has the scouting report.
PFF
43. San Francisco 49ers: LB Carson Schwesinger, UCLA
Schwesinger is light for an NFL linebacker, but his elite processing speed and intelligence give him starter and impact ability as a Mike or Will linebacker for a 4-3 defense.
75. San Francisco 49ers: T Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
Savaiinaea’s feet and pass-blocking technique should keep him in the league for a while, regardless of his position. If he can get stronger, he has a chance to stick as a starter at right tackle or inside for a zone-rushing team.
100. San Francisco 49ers (Special Compensatory Selection): DI Shemar Turner, Texas A&M
Turner played at just about every spot on Texas A&M’s defensive line, thanks to his active, violent hands and unwavering effort. He has some length and overall size limitations, but he feels like a guy an NFL coaching staff will push for on Day 2 of the draft.
Another site linking a linebacker to the 49ers. They’ve had success finding talents on Day 3. I don’t believe the Niners should stray away from that.
Savaiinea ran a 4.95 40 at 324 pounds. That’s generally a prospect you bet on. He has a great feel in pass protection. He also played on the left and right side at tackle. I’d be shocked if Savaiinaea fell to 75. That’d be good fortune for the 49ers.