With the third pick in the fifth round (142nd overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected Appalachian State DE Ronald Blair. He is the second defensive end selected by the 49ers in this draft. The team used their first selection to pick up Oregon DE DeForest Buckner with the seventh overall selection.
In two years with Appalachian State, Blair compiled 114 tackles with 32 for a loss, 12.5 sacks, an interception, and a touchdown. He has played in 25 games.
NFL.com projected that Blair would be selected in rounds 6 or 7 of the NFL Draft.
Ronald Blair led all 3-4 DE with a run stop percentage in 2015 of 13.8% and ranked third with a 10.2 Pass Rush Productivity Rating. #49ers
Highly decorated four-year starter who capped off a successful career by being named Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year in 2015. He doesn't have the ability as a pass rusher to excite NFL teams, but his strength at the point of attack and quality tape against Clemson this past season should not be discounted. Blair is an undersized, rotational base end in a 4-3 who might be able to add extra weight and get a look inside as a three-technique thanks to his toughness and strength.
DraftInsider.net had the following to say about Blair in their scouting report:
Blair was competitive, hard-working, got the most out of his ability and in many instances overachieved. He'll do well at the next level coming off the bench as either defensive end or potentially under tackle in pass rushing situations.
Pro Football Focus had the following to say about Blair in their scouting report:
Blair was a productive pass rusher over the last two seasons and a much-improved run defender in 2015. However, the competition level is a question. He played well against Clemson last season but didn't face many NFL-caliber players otherwise. How will that translate to the NFL? Blair played mostly 3-4 DE in college but at his size is more likely an NFL edge player.
Measurables
Height: 6-2
Weight: 284 lbs.
Arm length: 34 inches
Hand length: 10 1/4 inches
49ers expressing pre-draft interest in North Carolina State D-lineman Savion Jackson
By David Bonilla
Apr 10
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the San Francisco 49ers are among several teams that have shown interest in former North Carolina State defensive lineman Savion Jackson.
In a social media post, Wilson noted, "Scouting reports praise him for heavy hands, being stout run-stopper."
North Carolina State @PackFootball defensive lineman Savion Jackson had 30 visit with #Chargers, Zoom meeting
Draft Watch: 49ers meeting with Ohio State DT Michael Hall Jr.
By David Bonilla
Apr 12
Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, a Houston-based media outlet, reports that the San Francisco 49ers have either completed or scheduled a meeting with former Ohio State defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr.
Ohio State @OhioStateFB defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr., visiting #Jaguars today, per a league source. Other visits completed and/or scheduled: #Texans
Draft Watch: 49ers will host Mississippi State CB Decamerion Richardson
By David Bonilla
Apr 14
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the San Francisco 49ers will host former Mississippi State cornerback Decamerion Richardson on a pre-draft visit during the upcoming week.
Mississippi St. CB Decamerion Richardson is scheduled to visit Monday with the Patriots. By the end of this week, he will have visited with 10 NFL teams, including the Broncos, Jaguars, Chargers, Colts, Browns, Eagles, 49ers and Texans.— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 15,
49ers hosting Florida State LB Tatum Bethune on pre-draft visit
By David Bonilla
19 hrs
Former Florida State linebacker Tatum Bethune shared on Instagram that he is visiting the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara. He becomes the 15th known player to visit with the team. NFL teams can host up to 30 draft prospects on pre-draft visits.
Tatum Bethune via IG pic.twitter.com/8wbBrP83zB— Steph Sanchez (@Steph49K) April 15,
