Live updates from day 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft & open thread

 

Welcome to day 2 of the 2021 NFL draft! I will be your host this evening for 2nd and 3rd round action. So far this has been the craziest lead up to a 49ers draft I can remember, but thanks to breaking out my lucky mug, the 49ers were able to avoid a catastrophic meltdown of epic proportions by the faithful after ending the suspense with their selection of Trey Lance. A+ decision. I jumped the shark a little bit on Shanny, and I stand corrected. With that said, let's get this party started!

It would not surprise me to see the 49ers move around some in these 2 rounds. Let's take a look at the next 12 best left on the board:

1. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Norte Dame
2. Azeez Ojulari, Edge, Georgia
3. Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
4. Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
5. Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss
6. Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
7. Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina
8. Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma
9. Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State
10. Asante Samuel, CB, Florida State
11. Carlos Basham, Edge, Wake Forest
12. Jevon Holland, S, Oregon

I will try and provide live updates involving the 49ers mostly, and as always welcome you to participate with any thoughts you'd like to share as we watch together. I would be remiss without a shout out to Scooter for an excellent job yesterday covering the 1st round action. Here's to a great day 2 everyone!

Live Blog

3:08est: Firing up the grill. Bbq baby back ribs, steak fries, homemade mac-n-cheese, peanut buster parfait's

3:35: Keep an eye on Chris Dalman, C, Stanford as word on the street is the Rams are targeting him today.

“Honestly, I’m not really worried about it right now,” Lance said. “Right now. I’m just focused on getting there, learning as much as I possibly can. Getting to know Jimmy and the guys in the room and learning. Getting to know him, becoming close with him and like I said, just learning as much as I can. Then at that point, obviously competing.”

5:57: Expect a run on OT's early in round 2.

6:05: 49ers were at the altar with Jones before running off for a shotgun marriage with Lance, according to Schefter. His psychological test scores were the best of all quarterbacks.

6:44: 49ers expected to take a slot wr early, and target a center in round 3

7:02: Here we go! The commissioner is ready to open the 2nd round. 

7:11: The Jaguars are on the clock.

7:27: Broncos trade up.

7:40: Patriots have traded up with the Bengals.

7:44: Bears have traded up with the Panthers.

8:17: 49ers select Aaron Banks, OG, The Golden Domers Of Notre Dame!

Overview-Zierlein

Mass of humanity who's able to cast his frame upon opponents and win with pure size at times. Banks can get a little lax with certain elements of technique and footwork but tends to counter that with his frame and strength. His core and base are rock-steady, as he's rarely jostled by contact. He can create momentum with his size as a run blocker, but he's not a great bender and lacks explosiveness into contact. Pass protection will get a little choppy against athletic interior rushers and twist games that force him to make quick slides to cut off his edges, but he has the anchor to stall bull rushers all day long. Banks has some physical limitations but should be fine as a potential early starter and Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) pick for a physical running game.

Ian Rapoport

@RapSheet

·

3m

Trades trades and more trades. The #49ers trade back, the #Raiders trade up to No. 43. Meanwhile, the #Lions took DL Levi Onwuzurikie at no. 41. SF trades pick No. 43 and a 7th-round pick to Las Vegas for No. 48 and a fourth-round pick (121).

9:26: Round 3 is underway!

10:30: Best of what's left board:

CB Ifeatu Melifonwu Edge Ronnie Perkins OT James Hudson G Deonte Brown OT Dan Moore CB Elijah Molden C Quinn Meinerz G Trey Smith DT Daviyon Nixon LB Jabril Cox OT Spencer Brown CB Shaun Wade DT Marvin Wilson

10:50: 49ers trade up for a RB! Trey Sermon.

11:33: 49ers make their 3rd pick of the day and select Ambry Thomas outta Michigan. Didn't play last year but he was a cb I liked. Should provide some good depth, and come in handy during this season.

Well that about wraps it up for today. I thought the 49ers addressed areas of concern on the team with some really good prospects. Let's put a bow on it:

Trey Lance QB

Aaron Banks RG

Trey Sermon RB

Ambry Thomas CB

I'll see you tomorrow around Noon for the start of day 3. Until then, goodnight fellow 49ers fans!

2021 NFL Draft: Day 1 Live Updates

Welcome to the inaugural Inspired 49ers NFL Draft weekend!

Today, I (Scooter_McG) am lucky enough to be your host - a big thank you to razor for not only setting this blog site up and letting me post my thoughts, but also for allowing me the opportunity to provide you all with live updates during Day 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft! 

The plan over draft weekend will be to provide a "living" blog article each day of the draft for us all to comment on, which one of us (today, me) will update as key (mostly 49er related) events happen. So please keep checking in for updated content in the article, not just new comments from other fellow blog posters. 

Today is obviously a pivotal day for the 49ers future as they look to take what will hopefully be the 49ers QB for the next decade or more. A lot is riding on this pick, especially after giving up two future first round picks to move up from 12. 

We've had a lot of debate over the past month following the trade, lots of fans that are worried about who the team has been linked with taking - yes, Mac Jones has gotten in some fans heads, not just here but everywhere! I still think those fears are unwarranted and it will be Trey Lance. But today the truth to all the rumours and speculation will finally be laid bare and we will be able to move on knowing who is Shanahan's chosen one.  

There are already some interesting stories developing related to the 49ers, so even though we're still three hours away from the Draft kicking off, let's all get this thing started and (hopefully) enjoy Day 1 of the Draft!

Live Blog

1:54PM (California): We are still more than three hours away and the fun has already begun. First, Trey Lance has become the betting favourite in some circles for pick #3 (huzzah!). This obviously is music to my ears, and no doubt many fans that don't want it to be Jones. But I think this is all just still guesswork and nobody outside of the 49ers inner circle knows who the pick will be. 

In the last few hours we are also getting some wild rumours of Aaron Rodgers wanting out of Green Bay, and that the 49ers made an offer for him on Wednesday. Sounds like pre-draft craziness to me, but will be one to keep an eye on in the next few hours. 

2:40PM (California): This Aaron Rodgers speculation to the 49ers seems very manufactured to me. More like Rodgers' camp putting pressure on the Packers than any genuine interest by the 49ers. 

3:08PM (California): Not sure if 49er fans have been having fun these past few weeks, but sure seems like Jed York has been. He's been tweeting the past few hours, and half an hour ago he dropped this beauty: "#DraftDay thinking about going for a run. Suspense is too much. How many miles should I go for 1? 5? 10? 12? 16? 1?"

Just messing with 49er fans now! And the correct answer is of course 5.

4:12PM (California): It definitely sounds like Aaron Rodgers is pushing for an exit from the Packers, and that it may be a bridge too far for the Packers to smooth that relationship. That's the danger of drafting a QBOTF while you have an established Hall of Fame calibre starting QB that is looking for his team to go all in on winning before his career ends. But I find it hard to believe he goes to the 49ers - to be honest the trade up to #3 probably makes it impossible for the 49ers to put a package together to entice the Packers. It is going to be fascinating to see how the building Rodgers saga plays out.

4:26PM: The closer we get to Draft kickoff, the more the media is coming off the Mac Jones at #3 belief, with Trey Lance now widely expected to be the pick. But one and all are making it clear they don't actually know, and it is still merely speculation.  

4:50PM: Rumours are swirling that the Broncos are the leading candidate to trade for Rodgers. That makes a lot of sense to me, and a lot more sense than the 49ers making that deal. 

5:00PM: As the Draft is FINALLY set to kick off, Jed York, bless his soul, with some more fun at 49er fan expense, finishing his last tweet with: "wait phone call coming in... what area code is 920?". That would be Wisconsin...

5:16PM: And here. We. Go! The 2021 NFL Draft is now officially open. Go 49ers!

5:26PM: Despite everyone knowing who the first overall pick will be for months (years?), the Jaguars milked the clock for all its worth, just to make an already delayed draft take even longer. Thanks Jaguars! Anyway, surprise surprise, Trevor Lawrence, the golden child, is the Jaguars new great hope. 

5:34PM: And the Jets do the same, despite this pick being known for a long time. Zach Wilson off to the Jets. So far everything is going as expected. 49ers now on the clock!

5:36PM: Jed having more fun on twitter, saying the phones are down and can't get the pick in, lol!

5:40PM: And after a long month of speculation and debate, the wait is finally over! The pick is officially in .Hold onto your hats 49er fans. 

5:42PM: Trey Lance! Yes!!

5:45PM: Obviously I am stoked with this pick, he's the guy I have been saying the 49ers should take for quite some time. But the real winner here is 49reasons and all the other fans that were desperate for the pick to be anyone but Jones - I am very happy that your health and sanity have been saved!

5:50PM: And the first non-QB is off the board - Pitts to the Falcons. This one makes a lot of sense, but makes you wonder if Julio will be on his way out.

5:53PM: The ESPN crew all believe that taking Lance means the 49ers need to keep Jimmy G this year, as Lance isn't ready to start and needs to sit his rookie season. Personally I don't agree with that line of thinking. Lance is as ready as any of the QBs in this draft. NDSU prepares their QBs for the NFL as well as anybody. 

6:01PM: So the top 5 picks are now in, and it is all offense as expected. And it has all been QBs, and guys for the QBs to throw to. Offense wins in this league these days.

6:05PM: Kyle SHanahan on KNBR just now: Shanahan says Lance was "off the charts" on how he broke down film, communicated verbiage and broke down the minutiae. Also said "he's always going to be a threat at any time. Once we had time to connect with him, we fell in love with him. He checked every single box". Get excited 49er fans!

6:09PM: Per Adam Schefter, Lance's psychological tests for the 49ers were also "off the charts", and the 49ers considered him the smartest QB in this draft class. That's saying something, because there are some very smart ones in this class.

6:18PM: Kyle Shanahan on whether the narrative that Lance caught up to Mac Jones is accurate: "No, it's not". After the Monday presser, my feeling from that was that the belief it was Jones they initially moved up for was wrong, and it was Lance. This would seem to suggest that is accurate. 

6:49PM: The 49ers have concluded their post draft pick press conference. Lynch and Shanahan made it clear that Lance was always "one of two" guys they really liked at #3. Shanahan outlined that Lance pretty much checked all the boxes for a QB, both on the field and off. "Off the charts" intelligence. And has a presence about him like a CEO. He also discussed the running element he brings, and that while you wouldn't necessarily plan around him being a runner he makes a defense play 11 on 11. It is very clear Shanahan is very excited about this pick, and it was his pick, and his pick all along.  

6:51PM: And in a bit of a surprise, the fourth QB didn't go off the board until pick 11. Fields off to the Bears, likely trying to leapfrog the Patriots. Will be interesting to see where Jones gets picked.

7:15PM: And the speculation of where Jones would fall if not taken by the 49ers is over - the Patriots take their QBOTF. This one always seemed likely if the 49ers didn't take him.

7:38PM: As Mood mentioned, really enjoying seeing where the Cardinals are headed. Two LBs in back to back years, both of whom look overdrafted to me. They really fear the 49ers running game and passing game over the middle. 

7:50PM: We're now in the 20s, and its time to start wondering... will the 49ers look to trade back into the end of round 1?

8:26PM: According to Keiana Martin, Jimmy G asked for Trey Lance's number as soon as the pick was made to give him a call and welcome him to the team. That's A+ grade leadership and character from the 49ers team captain, welcoming the player that was selected to be his replacement. Whatever you may think of Jimmy G the player, Jimmy G the person and teammate is elite. 

8:40PM: Well, it won't be Payton Turner at #43 like I predicted. He's gone at pick #28 to the Saints. Pity - would have loved him opposite Bosa. 

9:10PM: And so that's a wrap for Day 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft! It started with a bang for 49ers fans, getting the guy a lot of people wanted, and more importantly, not taking the guy a lot of people feared they would. The 49ers did not end up trading back into the end of round 1, which saw a bit of a run on defensive players, in particular edge players. 

Tomorrow will bring more intrigue for 49er fans, as they look to continue to build their roster, and potentially also look to accumulate picks for future years. 

I had originally planned on doing a recap of the day/ 49ers first round pick after Day 1, but I'm pretty wiped after all of that! So I will probably wait until after Day 2 (or maybe even Day 3) to provide a wrap up of the 49ers draft picks. 

Thanks everyone for following along and commenting through the day. Tomorrow razor will be providing the live blog - thanks in advance!

Alright, that's me signing off on this Day 1 live blog. Go 49ers! 

Will Jimmy G be a 49er after Sunday?

By Scooter_McG

It felt like the 49ers and QB Jimmy Garoppolo were headed for a divorce ever since the team opted not to redo his deal to create much needed cap space after the 2019 season, following a season in which he played every game and led the team to a Super Bowl. It was all but confirmed that Jimmy G’s run with the 49ers was nearing an end when the team surprised everyone by trading up to pick #3 to take a QB in this year’s draft, well in advance of the draft, to give the team time and latitude to do its due diligence on the prospects (which in my opinion will lead them to making Trey Lance the heir apparent come Thursday). Now all that seems left for the “Jimmy G: QB of the San Francisco 49ers” epitaph is the exact when and how of his departure.

Ever since the trade to pick #3 the 49ers have been trumpeting the narrative that they like the idea of holding onto Jimmy G this year, with the idea of him starting while a rookie sits and waits. At the same time they have also made it clear to any team listening that it would take an offer that blows them away to move on from Jimmy G this offseason, and rumours have been that such an offer would require a first round pick. Maybe they were being 100% open and honest about their intent to keep Jimmy G, maybe they weren’t. But with the knowledge the team moved up to #3 to get their QBOTF (and maybe present) as well as strong rumours the team tried hard to sign a veteran signal caller with starting experience in FA (with the likes of Dalton, Trubisky and Flacco all heavily linked to the 49ers this offseason) it seems fair to assume the team was at least keeping the option of trading Jimmy G firmly on the table.

During the recent pre-draft press conference, both Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch refused to guarantee that Jimmy G will remain on the roster during the coming weekend. Or that anyone will even be alive, for that matter (side note: George Kittle responded to this statement with a funny tweet that he will check in on Sunday with Shanahan to let him know he is still alive). At the same time, they again reiterated that they like the idea of Jimmy G being on the roster so they don’t need to rush their rookie QB into action before he is ready. To me, both of these statements ring true.

Since the press conference, there have been reports that the 49ers stance on trade compensation for Jimmy G is softening, and they may now listen to offers that involve a second rounder rather than a first. And these reports suggest they are getting some interest.

Having an incumbent veteran starter like Jimmy G hold the fort while the rookie develops for a year would be very similar to the situation the Chiefs created in 2017 when they moved up to draft Patrick Mahomes and sat him behind Alex Smith for a season. And that approach certainly didn’t hurt Mahomes’ development.

However, the Alex Smith situation was a little different to this one. First, Smith is the ultimate professional who had already once previously shown he would not create waves in the locker room as he mentored his future replacement. Second, the Chiefs had been a consistent playoff team for a number of years under Smith (missing the playoffs just once in four years, and then only just missing out with a 9-7 record), but failed to get to the AFC Championship Game let alone a Super Bowl. While Smith was universally respected by teammates, they had time to realise the status quo wasn’t getting it done.

With Jimmy G and the 49ers, he is loved by his teammates and they believe only luck and injuries have prevented them from winning a Super Bowl the past two years. With that kind of belief in the locker room, bringing in an heir apparent while allowing Jimmy G to remain with the team runs a real risk of creating division amongst the playing group and making it harder for the rookie to establish himself as a leader. And maybe Jimmy G doesn’t want to be the starter for a franchise that no longer believes in him, which could also lead to locker room distraction. It may be best for all parties to let this relationship end before any potential resentment or distraction festers.

If they do trade Jimmy G this weekend, and I think there is a very strong likelihood of it happening, what could the 49ers receive in return? I’d be hoping for at least a package similar to what the Jets received for Darnold. Maybe a player swap could be an option too, for example a trade package with the Patriots involving Stephon Gilmore going the other way. This would be an ideal scenario for the 49ers in my opinion as it would solidify one of the few remaining weaknesses on the 49ers roster.

And if they do trade Jimmy G, it would behoove the team to then trade for another veteran QB that can be the bridge for the rookie and a reliable backup option once the rookie is ready to start. I could see the team exploring a trade for Gardner Minshew, for example.

What do you think – will Jimmy G be a 49er after this weekend?

You Can't Always Get What You Want

 I saw him yesterday at his press conference. Shanny's ego was on hand. The so called "genius" that passed on Mahomes and Watson for C. J. Beathard,  has full autonomy to pick his man. Lynch, a GM in name only has no say in the decision. Their chief scout and his deputies have no say in the decision. Shouldn't this be a time for intervention? Friends don't let friends draft smug. Note to Shanny, improved arm talent and playmaking ability are needed more than improved processing. Your offensive calling card is that you can manufacture an effective passing game without an elite processor. Pretty much what you've been doing with, Jimmy and Mullens. Two weak armed backups. Adding another weak armed talent with the mind of Albert Einstein isn't the answer. I don't care how beautiful it is, his body is the cover art for the latest edition of, Lazy Frat Boys. 

What this looks like to me is Shanny is now Trent Baalke. If this quarterback busts, Shanny's job security will not be in jeopardy according to a report by Tony Pauline. Shanny has tremendous job security, and anyone else that would have the nonsensical temerity to give up #12, 2022 and 2023 1st round picks for Mac Jones, and he didn't turn out to be the next Drew Brees; would be sacked without any question or explanation. 

There are those fans that just want to be in the winning mix. We got to the Super Bowl despite missing on Mahomes and Watson. Remember when we were undefeated in Super Bowls? 5-0 baby! Last two Super Bowl appearances we choked. Last two Shanny Super Bowl appearances he choked. No more choking. I don't want to just be a relevant winner. I want to be a champion again. I want to be the organization with the most Lombardi Trophies in the headquarters trophy case. That's what I need and I hope I'm not being too presumptuous when I say, that's what most fans need. 

What Does Shanahan Want -- and Who Will he Choose on Thursday?

by Mood Indigo

The Niners will almost certainly pick a QB in Thursday’s draft. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, “they have wrapped up their draft meetings officially. They're ready to make this pick...”, which is hardly surprising news at this stage of the game.

 

All three candidates, Jones, Fields and Lance, are excellent QBs who have yet to reach their potential. Two of them are high-level athletic traits while the third has superior pocket passing skills at this stage. Only one of the three has played more than twenty games in college. More than any other team sports, the success of a rookie football player depends on the team, scheme and coaching. There is a reason why almost half the QBs drafted in the first round never develop into a long-term starter. 

 

The QB the Niners pick will have the highest chances of success in this draft. Barring any disaster, Niners could win a Super Bowl with any one of them. However, purely from a statistical viewpoint, it is likely that only one (or maybe two) of these three can put the Niners in a position to contend year-after-year for a dozen years or more – i.e., be the young franchise QB.

 

Shanahan has said repeatedly in interviews that there are only a handful of QBs at any time that fit this mold of special QBs. With this trade, the Niners have not only put themselves in a position to strengthen the QB room as has been their publicly-stated goal, but to grab one of those special QBs that Shanahan has coveted throughout his coaching career of over a dozen years. This gamble has been made possible by their skill at fitting a top-10 roster under the cap, historically bad injury problems, and the support from the ownership. In the process, they gained control of the QB selection process from #3 onwards, and essentially turned the second pro days into private workouts.

 

Shanhan has also stressed the importance of coaching up the young QBs. He has openly talked about Mahomes learning behind Smith. With a sizable contract extension, Shanahan feels no pressure to win with his young QB while he has a proven vet available. The measurables of these three QBs have been analyzed but everything goes out through the window when the rookie gets behind the center against the Niners defense in camp. The intensity and speed of the game goes up notch by notch as they progress from pre-season games to regular season and to post-season play. I can see Shanahan and Scangarello assessing the progress of the rookie QB at each stage and recalibrating the coaching process.

 

I followed the assessments of the three QBs by former players (Kurt Warner’s and J.T. O’Sullivan’s YouTube channels, interviews with Kirk Morrison, Steve Young, and several others), and a few non-player analysts like Greg Cossell and Ted Nguyen. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Fields and Lance are closer than Jones to Elway and Mahomes who Shanahan has unequivocally stated as his desired QB prototypes. These two are not dual-threat QBs in the mold of Newton, RG3 or Kaep. They are pocket QBs who can run when needed. Fields may have slightly stronger arm, greater accuracy, and a demonstrated ability to play injured against high-level defense.  Lance has more of a “live arm” but also shows the discipline to work from the pocket and make difficult throws. His accuracy may not be as good as Jones or Fields but as Josh Allen has shown, with good coaching and hard work by the QB, the accuracy can be improved.

 

The choice between these two will not be based on pro-readiness -- no QB comes out of college pro-ready. The successful ones adapt to NFL speed and talent rapidly with hard work and the willingness and ability to learn. These intangibles, to my mind, will be the primary criteria that will help Shanhan make the final decision. And his trusted agent in this regard has been his old QB for a brief time in Washington -- John Beck. Additionally, they also have the input of a valuable disinterested party in Quincy Avery who has coached both players.

 

Lance’s first pro day apparently showed significant improvement in his footwork from the 2019 season. Two weeks later Niners traded up to the #3 draft spot. Subsequently, the Niners requested Lance to work with Beck. I’d guess that ShanaLynch have spent most of the last two weeks in relative evaluation of these two. The word is that Shanhan has sought QB evaluations from McDaniel, Scangarello and Slowik but no coaches know of his decision. Barrows had his phone call to Shanahan the Elder returned from the 49er HQ indicating that the former has been in the mix onsite for QB evaluation.

 

From reading the signs, I came to the same conclusion as Razor and Scooter that the likely pick is Trey Lance -- but picking Justin Fields will not come as a surprise. It would be a surprise if the Jets go with Fields and the Niners have to pick between Lance and Wilson. Still, I have always thought that the three QBs that ShanaLynch have had in mind were Wilson, Fields and Lance. 

 

Mocking the draft: Take 2!

By Scooter_McG

We’re now days away from finally knowing who the 49ers will take at 3, and I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say it will be a relief to finally know and end all the speculation!

With Draftmas nearly upon us, here is my second and final take on mocking the 49ers 2021 draft.

Before I get started, just a little forward notification – razor and I (and hopefully MidWestDynasty) will be posting a draft-day article for each day of the draft, with live updates of key 49er events during the draft (and possibly other notable draft day events). Please check in, follow along and keep the dialogue flowing!  

Ok, as I did with my first mock, before getting started there are a few assumptions that are worth noting with my mock:

• While I believe a Jimmy G trade is a very strong possibility before or during the draft, for the purposes of this mock I have assumed he remains on the roster (at least until after the draft).
• I have not included any trades of 49ers picks. Which is actually very much against what I think will happen, as I expect the team to be very active.

Also, the key needs remaining for the 49ers as I see them are:

• Tier I needs: QB (obviously), third WR, depth/ competition at CB (inside and outside), punt returner
• Tier II needs: depth at DE, depth at TE, developmental/ backup center, depth/ competition at RB, more depth/ competition at CB.
• Tier III needs: developmental safety, more depth/ competition at WR, OL depth
• Tier IV needs: depth at LB, depth at DT, STs specialists.

Round 1: I won’t go in depth on this one – I have already outlined why I think Trey Lance will be the 49ers pick at #3 at length in previous articles.

Round 2: After the big trade up in round 1, I can see the 49ers looking to recoup some future draft capital by trading back in round 2, maybe a few times. I could see the 49ers even moving out of round 2 altogether in order to get an extra day 2 pick in 2021 as well as a day 2 2022 pick. But as outlined in my assumptions above, I have assumed no trades in my mock.

In my previous mock I had the team taking a WR here, which would make a lot of sense in my opinion. But I can’t ignore that the 49ers front office has consistently stressed the past few years the importance of generating pressure up front. There will likely be a bunch of guys available here that would be good value and fit what the 49ers are after, but I think after signing Ebukam and Key, the team may look for a bigger DE and Payton Turner for mine looks like a guy that will have a good pro career. He’s a big, long DE with excellent quickness to his game that I think would be an excellent addition.

Round 3: After adding a DE in round 2, a tier II need in my rankings, the team still has two areas I think are key needs – WR and CB. I think the 49ers may well move up from this spot to get the player they want, and I think it will be a WR. I can see Amari Rodgers being a player they really like, as a versatile and dependable WR that can also do return duties. D’Wayne Eskridge and Amon-Ra St Brown are others I can see the team looking at, while Ihmir Smith-Marsette may be an option as more of a smooth route runner that Tony Pauline believes is receiving quite favourable grades from teams.

Round 4: Despite depth being an issue currently, I think this is where the 49ers address CB unless a talent they really like falls to them at an earlier spot, with the idea they can add a veteran after the draft if needed. I’m thinking Benjamin St-Juste or Trill Williams, if available, though there are a few others that could be of interest here including Ambry Thomas, Robert Rochell or Thomas Graham. St-Juste is a very big, explosive and fluid athlete, built much in the same vein as Ahkello Witherspoon. Williams offers a more complete package that is versatile, competitive and athletic.

Round 5: The 49ers have three selections in round 5 and a history of finding gems here. In 2021, I can see the team adding (in no particular order) Centre Drew Dalman, RB Khalil Herbert and CB Deommodore Lenoir. Dalman is the son of former 49er Chris Dalman, and a perfect fit for a zone-based offense, but needs to develop his strength. Herbert is a one-cut RB that has also displayed good hands out of the backfield. He is good at making defenders miss and has good vision as a runner. Lenoir is an underrated CB that can line up inside and outside, and was not tested much at Oregon due to his strong coverage ability.  

Round 6: I see the team adding a TE slot here with the additional of Kenny Yeboah. Yeboah transferred from Temple to Ole Miss and showed good receiving skills last season as a fluid mover with good hands.  

Round 7: With all of the tier 1 and tier II needs accounted for, I can see the 49ers looking to address something they have struggled to find through the entirety of current regime’s time – a return specialist. The team has met with Connor Wedington from Stanford, and I can see the team using the seventh rounder here on a player like him. Avery Williams may be another name to keep an eye on.

So that’s my final 49ers mock draft. What do you all think the 49ers will do?

The Exception To The Rule

 Looking back at the draft landscape over the past 15 years, and the 5 teams that moved up to #3 for a quarterback; all 5 were no longer playing for the team that drafted them after 5 years. 44 quarterbacks have been taken in the top 3 over the course of 50 NFL drafts. Aikman and Manning are the only two that went on to win a Super Bowl with the team that originally drafted them. To say that the odds are not in the 49ers favor would be an understatement. 

Lynch believes his roster is a quarterback away from making a deep run into the playoffs. He's loaded up a few 1 year players in support of this belief. Upgrading the backup quarterback because Jimmy cannot be counted on to be available in November was his priority. Using future 1's to get him reinforced the belief that his roster's strength is such that it will not suffer because of it. The foundation is solid. The team is ready to win now. 

Even though, Lance has the same amount of starts as Jones, it's Jones that is being heralded as the most NFL ready. Jones has been described as extremely smart, but recently Lance has been called the smartest quarterback in the draft. If they're both smart, what separates the two? Athletic traits. Competition faced. DUI. 28 TD's zero Int's, zero DUI's? Lance's decision making seems just as good as Jones' to me, if not better.

If we are to believe that Shanny is enamored with Jones, and Lynch has eyes for Lance; which way should they go? Well, my position hasn't changed. Shanny has built a reputation for being a quarterback developer. Which player has the highest arc for development? Not Jones. If we are to believe that all these quarterbacks would have little to no chance in beating Jimmy through training camp as the day 1 starter, then it makes sense to pair the highest ceiling prospect with your quarterback guru. Lance has the work ethic, the chip, the desire and the intelligence. He happens to be the youngest too. If the quarterback guru forces the Jones pick, that could be interpreted as something a real guru wouldn't do. A real guru would embrace the challenge knowing the end product could be superior to Jones. 

The 49ers are at a crossroads. They've built a deep, talented roster. It all comes down to this choice. If they get it wrong, they'll just be another rule of thumb. If they get it right, their quarterback will become the 3rd exception to the rule. 

Examining the fit: Maurice Hurst

By Scooter_McG

Just a day after adding Wayne Gallman and Arden Key, and a week out from the draft, the 49ers made another signing, this time adding additional depth at DT by signing former Raider Maurice Hurst to a one year deal.

The Hurst signing is an interesting one. Hurst played for Michigan in college and was a fifth round pick of the Raiders in 2018, the same year Key was drafted by the Raiders in the third round. Like Key, Hurst demonstrated high end traits and production in college that had scouts believing he was a first round talent, but fell down draft boards due to off-field reasons. However, unlike Key, Hurst’s fall was primarily due to medical concerns over a heart issue he was diagnosed with at the NFL combine, and not due to any concerns regarding character.

During his time with Michigan Hurst was one of the most prolific and productive DTs in college. According to PFF he posted three straight years with season grades above 85, including an elite grade of 94.7 in 2017. With the Raiders, Hurst did not reach the same heights he showed in college, and only started 17 of the 40 games he has played (and only 7 starts since his rookie year). However, he has been a consistently good player according to PFF with a grade above 70 each year and of 77.0 overall since 2018 (31^st for all interior DL over the three years) and a career pass rush grade of 78.3. Hurst has also recorded a career win rate of 11.1%, also 31^st among DTs since 2018, with 8 sacks and 17 QB hits.

Hurst is an undersized, penetrating DT, similar to some of the DTs the 49ers have looked to employ in recent years such as Solomon Thomas and Kevin Givens. He is explosive of the ball with active hands and good athleticism. He is also a high motor player that gives good effort. However, he lacks length and can struggle with bigger, stronger OL.

All in all, in my opinion this is an excellent signing for the team, providing a good rotational piece for the DL with high end traits and upside, that has already shown he can be productive with lesser players around him. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Hurst earn a sizeable snap share in 2021, health permitting, and proving a highly disruptive player.

Odds and Ends

With the 49ers continuing to add to the roster leading up to the draft, the team has a lot of roster positions that look to already be sewn up heading into 2021. The team currently has 9 draft picks, 6 on day 3, and it seems unlikely there are sufficient roster spots open to accommodate those picks. I wouldn’t be surprised if the 49ers are very active once again in moving around this draft, both moving up as well as potentially moving some picks for future draft picks.

Examining the fit: Wayne Gallman and Arden Key

By Scooter_McG

The 49ers on Wednesday announced the signings of RB Wayne Gallman and DE Arden Key to one year deals, adding depth to the roster ahead of next weekend’s draft.

Wayne Gallman

Gallman was a fourth round pick of the Giants in 2017, after being Clemson’s workhorse RB during two consecutive college football playoff title runs (with one championship) playing alongside Deshaun Watson. During his time at Clemson he made a name for himself for his powerful, no nonsense running style, with some ability as a pass catcher. However, he is more a high effort, tough minded player than dynamic athlete.

Gallman was a steady and reliable player for the Giants playing mostly in a reserve role. He had his best season in the NFL last year replacing Saquon Barkley after Barkley tore his ACL early in the year. Gallman rushed for 682 yards at 4.6 yards per carry, with 6 TDs, while also adding 21 receptions for 114 yards. Gallman also contributed well as a rookie, providing 476 yards rushing at 4.3 yards per carry plus 34 receptions for 193 yards and a TD, but found his opportunities limited in 2018 and 2019 as Barkley dominated the snap share.  

Gallman was noted coming out of college for his leadership, locker room presence and work ethic, all of which no doubt appeal to the culture Lynch and Shanahan have created with the 49ers. Gallman will likely compete for the role vacated by Tevin Coleman, though likely that role will go to Jeff Wilson and Gallman will be in a fight for a roster spot against the likes of Hasty, Walter and likely a rookie as the third or fourth RB. One plus that Gallman brings is as a red zone runner which may help him secure a role on the team.

Arden Key

Key was a third round pick of the Raiders in 2018, following a high profile career at LSU both on and off the field. Key’s talent as a long, bendy and explosive pass rusher off the edge was obvious in college, and he put on a show as a sophomore in 2016 with 12 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss. After his sophomore year, Key was widely considered a potential future top 10 draft pick. However, he was unable to replicate the feat in 2017 and had a lacklustre junior year, where his off-field character issues were the bigger talking point than his on field play. His dedication to football was questioned, while rumours persisted of recreational drug use which led to questions about his decision-making and lifestyle.

So far in the NFL, Key has managed to stay out of the spotlight for any of the wrong reasons. However, he has also stayed out of the spotlight for any good reasons as well, having recorded just 3 sacks over three seasons and not starting a game since his rookie year. Despite the lack of production, Key is still only 24 (25 soon), appears to have improved his commitment to football, and provides some potential upside. Perhaps Kris Kocurek is just the coach to unlock his potential.

I see Key potentially playing a role similar to Dion Jordan. A guy the team may look to keep on the practice squad and feels comfortable bringing up as a rotational guy if there is an injury. And if he takes to Kocurek’s coaching and shows some of his LSU potential, all the better.

Other Odds and Ends

The signing of Key may be a sign that Ronald Blair’s medical check on his knee did not go well. If that’s the case it is a real shame for a player that was just starting to come into his own as very solid rotational player. Fingers crossed he bounces back, and a reunion with the 49ers can still happen.

The 49ers have also recently brought FA safety Tony Jefferson in for a visit. Jefferson hasn’t played since he tore his ACL in week 5 of the 2019 season, but is a well respected leader and when healthy was a well regarded and tough player despite being a limited athlete.

I find the interest in Jefferson a bit surprising. The team already re-signed Tartt and Harris, and also signed Tavon Wilson. It makes me wonder if there may be position changes afoot – maybe Moore will get another shot at CB, where the team is currently very thin, or Harris may move to LB – or perhaps the team is thinking of switching gears a little and playing a system that employs more DBs on the field.

When The Smoke Is Going Down

 

No combine. No private workouts. No problem for the 49ers. Shanny controlled some of both, Fields' and Lance's second pro day by having them perform plays the 49ers like to run in practice. In a normal year these pro days would typically not mean much, but this year their value has increased exponentially. Some of the strategy involving this move up might have related to what happens to a players stock after their pro day? In the case of a player like, Lance you would assume it could skyrocket. Meeting him in person your first impression would be how big he is. How thick his lower body is. Seeing in person, how live his arm is, and the way it jumps from his hand. How the ball is out when his back foot hits. Talking with him and finding out how smart and dedicated he is. All these things could have meant the price to move up on draft day for him would have cost us even more. Did the 49ers target, Lance all along when they moved up to #3? Maybe.

Meeting, Jones at his pro day I would not be impressed with his size because he's about the same size as Jimmy. His throws weren't impressive either. I don't see his pro day as having the same significance or positive effect that maybe a Fields' or Lance's does. For that reason, I feel the 49ers could have safely assumed that Jones' stock would not have increased on draft day, and they could have moved up to #6 for him at a much cheaper price tag. Let's say one extra 1st round pick instead of two. I think it's becoming apparent to me that, Trey Lance will be the pick and that he might have been the target all along. I hope this helps those who have been hit hard by, the Jones virus.