OTC's Draft Eve 49er Mock -- April 27 | Page 2

OnTheClock · 2011-04-27T12:28:49-07:00

Alright, folks. Today marks the eve of the NFL Draft. Getting excited yet? I know I am. Well.. I think I've been at that point since the end of last year's draft. But anyways.. I've gotten a few messages requesting a new mock before the draft, and well.. I've decided to give in. You pesky posters. This mock will be based on projections from my Final Big 254 board found here: http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/thread.php?num=154181 Per the numerous requests, here is my 49ers 2011 NFL Draft. 2011 NFL Draft: 1. (7) Prince Amukamara-CB-Nebraska, 6-0 206 4.38 What more can I say about Amukamara? He went into this season as my favorite CB, and he still is. Expectations have been high, and he's met them. A straight-up lockdown corner, Prince is incredibly fundamentally sound. He's a big, physical corner with the size and speed to match up with just about any receiver in the league, and he's a disciplined player which is something we direly need in our secondary. Quarterbacks have stayed away from him this year, which is why he lacks the INT numbers that other corners might have, but when QB's look his way, it's rarely a completion. Amukamara has 13 passes broken up this year and a sack as well. With Patrick Peterson likely off the board by the time we pick, Amukamara, the more polished player anyways, could fall right into our laps. 2. (45) Ricky Stanzi-QB-Iowa, 6-4 223 4.87 Stanzi has intrigued me for the longest time, and early in his career I saw the flashes of brilliance that many of the Hawkeye followers rave about these days. However, I can also say I saw -- especially last year -- a player whose season was riddled with poor decisions in several games. Last year, he had 17 TDs, 15 picks. This year, 25 TDs (at least one in every game) and only 4 INTs. He's got spunk, confidence, swagger and all the things synonymous with those words, to accompany his skill. His footwork this year is greatly improved compared to before and there's no question Stanzi has talent. The only question is this: Was his rebound this year a fluke, or just evidence of immense growth? Stanzi has the upside to star in the NFL, but his peak is really a high 3rd round grade. If the 49ers do not trade up to draft a QB in the 1st, I believe they will take Stanzi here (if he's the best remaining QB). Why? Because look who we have picking behind us -- Oakland, Jacksonville, Indy, KC, and Seattle. If you don't want to blow your chances, you don't dare trade down. Stanzi is going to need some time to get ready for the NFL, but time is what any QB we get this year will receive. I do not expect the 49ers to start a rookie QB, at least not early in the year. 3. (76) Sam Acho-OLB-Texas, 6-2 262 4.68 Obviously, at this point, the 49ers would have to consider drafting a pass-rusher and Acho I'd imagine should be high on the 49ers board. Sam is built much in the mold like Lamar Woodley, as an almost mirror image in size at 6-2 262. Acho surprised scouts with an incredible 3-cone time at the combine for a man his size. A 6.69 in the 3-cone showed Acho has some freakish agility for a 260+ pound guy, and he proved easily that he has the athleticism to play linebacker in the NFL. Acho, a consistent producer for Texas (back to back seasons with at least 13 TFL and 8 sacks) would be a nice fit in San Francisco. Other options we might consider would be local product Chris Carter of Fresno State or Justin Houston if he fell here due to the failed drug test. 4. (108) Denarius Moore-WR-Tennessee, 6-0 194 4.39 While there are a fair amount of other "West Coast Receiver" prospect out there like Pettis, Vincent Brown, and Greg Salas, I think the 49ers will pull the trigger on a guy with a skill set a little different than what we already have on our team -- someone with great speed and quickness. Moore brings a blend of blistering sub-4.4 speed with soft hands, excellent leaping ability to grab the ball at its highest point, and concentration to locate passes coming through traffic. With 47 catches for just under 1000 yards (that's a whopping 21 yard avg. per catch) and 9 TDs, I think Moore would be a good addition to this team. 4. (115) Shane Vereen-RB-Cal, 5-10 210 4.49 It is possible that Vereen does not make it to this spot, due to his great strength and speed measurables showcased at the Combine, but I think there's a good chance he does because of all the other top running backs in this class. Vereen is seen as more of a change-of-pace back who isn't quite as explosive on the field as his timed numbers would indicate. Still, he's an impressive prospect because of his great receiving ability and willingness as a blocker, and I think he will be a 49er target between the 3rd and 4th rounds. 5. (141) Richard Sherman-CB-Stanford, 6-3 195 4.53 Bill Walsh loved big, tall, physical corners and Sherman is just that. He had a terrific Pro-Day, clocking a much better than expected low 4.5 time, with a 37 inch vertical. He has a reputation as a bit of a gambler who can be fooled by receiver moves too easily and misdirection, but his physical tools and production at Stanford could convince teams he can be coached up into a solid starting player. Sherman, a converted WR, racked up 4 interceptions and 13 pass break-ups this season, along with 1 TFL and 2 forced fumbles. 6. (174) Anthony Sherman-FB-Connecticut, 5-10 242 4.74 Sherman is arguably the best fullback in this class. While not an elite pass-catching back, he certainly has skill in this area, he just wasn't used much in this way. It's his blocking that sticks out the most, and in a WCO it is imperative that we have an exceptional blocking FB. UConn runs a run-dominated offense, and we know this by their former prospects Donald Brown, Andre Dixon, and now Jordan Todman this year. Sherman helped pave the way for Todman to have an exceptional year this year, and at the combine blew all the other FB prospects away in the strength category, putting up 32 reps on the bench. Sherman would be a terrific fit for our team. 6. (190) Akeem Dent-ILB-Georgia, 6-1 242 4.76 It's very possible that Dent could see a late rise just before draft day, but if he's here, I think the 49ers would strongly consider him. With McKillop trying to come off multiple torn ligaments, I don't think we can depend on him as the TED of the future. Spikes has little time left and is FA who may not even return. Dent would bring us an explosive player who fits the TED bill very well. He played the ILB position in Georgia's 3-4 defense, after all. Dent is overshadowed by some of the other prospects from the Georgia defense, but he posted outstanding workout numbers in Indy at the combine -- a 37 1/2 inch vertical and 10'3" broad jump, along with impressive agility drill times -- showing he can be an explosive player at the next level. Some scouts even believe he could play OLB on some teams. 7. (211) Jake Kirkpatrick-C-TCU, 6-2 300 5.31 Kirkpatrick's experience could have him develop and play at both the center and guard positions on this team. We all should expect the team to look for a replacement for Rachal in case he still underwhelms this year, and one should expect that replacement would be a G/C type of player. Kirkpatrick was the 2010 Remington Award Winner, which goes to the Top D-I Center in all of college football. 7. (231) Mana Silva-S-Hawaii, 6-1 206 4.43 It's surprising that it took Silva's Pro Day for him to get more attention, where he lit it up with explosive numbers across the board, including a 40-inch vertical and 23 reps on the bench. Silva has posted a whopping FOURTEEN INTERCEPTIONS over the past two seasons, with 8 coming this year. We like to carry at least five safeties on the team, and those eye-popping totals and tremendous athleticism will get him drafted -- if not by us, then by someone else. 7. (239) Anthony Gray-NT-Southern Miss, 6-0 330 5.18 I don't think we can go out of this draft without taking someone to work in at nose tackle. He had a solid year this year with 6 TFL, and 1.5 sacks, and would be a strong developmental guy as a clogger in the middle. 7. (250) Lazarius Levingston-DE-LSU, 6-3 292 4.86 I think Levingston is one of the most under the radar players among late-round prospects. He's a very athletic kid for his near 300-pound size, and played well in his role at LSU. The 49ers landed former LSU DL Ricky Jean-Francois some time ago, and I think they look at another LSU lineman for depth here. And if you don't wish to read my reports: 1. Prince Amukamara-CB-Nebraska, 6-0 206 4.38 2. Ricky Stanzi-QB-Iowa, 6-4 223 4.87 3. Sam Acho-OLB-Texas, 6-2 262 4.68 4. Denarius Moore-WR-Tennessee, 6-0 194 4.39 4. Shane Vereen-RB-Cal, 5-10 210 4.49 5. Richard Sherman-CB-Stanford, 6-3 195 4.53 6. Anthony Sherman-FB-Connecticut, 5-10 242 4.74 6. Akeem Dent-ILB-Georgia, 6-1 242 4.76 7. Jake Kirkpatrick-C-TCU, 6-2 300 5.31 7. Mana Silva-S-Hawaii, 6-1 206 4.43 7. Anthony Gray-NT-Southern Miss, 6-0 330 5.18 7. Lazarius Levingston-DE-LSU, 6-3 292 4.86 [ Edited by OnTheClock on Apr 27, 2011 at 12:29:41 ]

Apr 27, 2011 at 1:09 PM

#16

Travisty13
Veteran
Posts: 5,269

Originally posted by lamontb:
Never in my life have i heard anybody ever say anything about the length of cb's arms. Parcells says it and it's know an issue. Not buying it.

I agree. That's the 1st I've ever heard of "short arms on a CB". I think that would be near the bottom of things you think about when scouting a CB.

Apr 27, 2011 at 1:10 PM

#17

mayo49
Veteran
Posts: 65,216

Originally posted by OnTheClock:
Originally posted by mayo49:
Love everything except the first pick. Prince is supposed to have real short arms. Not good for a CB. I'd cream my pants for everything else, though.

His arms are not that short. I imagine you're referring to the Parcells note on Amukamara? FYI, Parcells has Prince #1 on his board ahead of Peterson, despite these supposed "short arms."

That is where I heard it. I didn't catch where he said Prince was ahead of Peterson on his board. I guess that makes it a little better. Still, I hope it doesn't hinder his coverage skills.

[ Edited by mayo49 on Apr 27, 2011 at 13:11:43 ]

Apr 27, 2011 at 1:13 PM

#18

Travisty13
Veteran
Posts: 5,269

Originally posted by mayo49:
Originally posted by OnTheClock:
Originally posted by mayo49:
Love everything except the first pick. Prince is supposed to have real short arms. Not good for a CB. I'd cream my pants for everything else, though.

His arms are not that short. I imagine you're referring to the Parcells note on Amukamara? FYI, Parcells has Prince #1 on his board ahead of Peterson, despite these supposed "short arms."

That is where I heard it. I didn't catch where he said Prince was ahead of Peterson on his board. I guess that makes it a little better. Still, I hope it doesn't hinder his coverage skills.

His arms are an 1 and 1/2 shorter then Petersons. Lol. Not enough to take him off our Draft Board lol. And yeah, on Bill's board he's rated higher. Go look at the Parcells' thread, last page. I posted the complete list/rankings

Apr 27, 2011 at 1:15 PM

#19

lamontb
Veteran
Posts: 33,157

Originally posted by Travisty13:
Originally posted by lamontb:
Never in my life have i heard anybody ever say anything about the length of cb's arms. Parcells says it and it's know an issue. Not buying it.

I agree. That's the 1st I've ever heard of "short arms on a CB". I think that would be near the bottom of things you think about when scouting a CB.

Exactly. Anything about arm length has always been regarding offensive tackles.

Apr 27, 2011 at 1:16 PM

#20

PTulini
Veteran
Posts: 12,412

Originally posted by OnTheClock:
Originally posted by PTulini:
I like most of the picks, but I'm just not a fan of Ricky Stanzi.

You know, I'm not a big fan either. I think it would be a risky pick, but for some reason I think we still might do it. Here's to hoping whoever we get turns out to be just fine though.

I might be the only one, but after all the things I've read on Harbaugh and the criteria he's looking for in a QB, I'm convinced that the 49ers are targeting Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick.

Apr 27, 2011 at 1:25 PM

#21

mayo49
Veteran
Posts: 65,216

Originally posted by Travisty13:
Originally posted by mayo49:
Originally posted by OnTheClock:
Originally posted by mayo49:
Love everything except the first pick. Prince is supposed to have real short arms. Not good for a CB. I'd cream my pants for everything else, though.

His arms are not that short. I imagine you're referring to the Parcells note on Amukamara? FYI, Parcells has Prince #1 on his board ahead of Peterson, despite these supposed "short arms."

That is where I heard it. I didn't catch where he said Prince was ahead of Peterson on his board. I guess that makes it a little better. Still, I hope it doesn't hinder his coverage skills.

His arms are an 1 and 1/2 shorter then Petersons. Lol. Not enough to take him off our Draft Board lol. And yeah, on Bill's board he's rated higher. Go look at the Parcells' thread, last page. I posted the complete list/rankings

Thanks, Trav his arms aren't real short like Parcells made it sound. I know E. Davis had him as a better pure CB than Peterson. I have alot of respect to what Davis has to say having played the position himself. I guess I overreacted a little bit. Still, I don't like short arms on my CB's. But, it sounds like Prince's arms a just about average.

[ Edited by mayo49 on Apr 27, 2011 at 13:29:48 ]

Apr 27, 2011 at 1:26 PM

#22

OnTheClock
Hall of Fame
Posts: 38,514

Originally posted by PTulini:
Originally posted by OnTheClock:
Originally posted by PTulini:
I like most of the picks, but I'm just not a fan of Ricky Stanzi.

You know, I'm not a big fan either. I think it would be a risky pick, but for some reason I think we still might do it. Here's to hoping whoever we get turns out to be just fine though.

I might be the only one, but after all the things I've read on Harbaugh and the criteria he's looking for in a QB, I'm convinced that the 49ers are targeting Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick.

In the back of my mind, I think the player at #28 that the Patriots and "some other team" have a deal in place for could be Kaepernick. I'm more inclined to think it's Dalton, but Kap is possible.

Hey, you could be right. I love Kaepernick as a player, but he'll need some retooling and development. I just want his throwing motion shortened because it's a long one. I don't care about his style of delivery per se, if we can just shorten the unload time.

Apr 27, 2011 at 1:26 PM

#23

jacklegniner
Veteran
Posts: 2,206

The mock is good but unfortunately i think there will be trades involved. Those are hard to predict. I think Baelke likes to target specific players and if their not available he likes to trade for the future or more picks. Or he will try and move up to get the guy. Like Shane Vereen... He might not be there in the 4th but they will try and get something done.

Apr 27, 2011 at 1:33 PM

#24

dmax
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Posts: 22,900

Hey OTC

What about greg little for the 4th rd WR

Apr 27, 2011 at 2:03 PM

#25

Jamespowers
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Posts: 2,469

Nice Mock. I will take it.

Apr 27, 2011 at 2:16 PM

#26

dwett
Veteran
Posts: 712

Great Mock as always. The only thing I see throwing a monkey wrench in your picks is trades. I just don't seeing us coming out of this draft with 12 players.

The trade I'm looking for is for us to move back from 7 and draft either Prince or Quinn and then, using that additional ammunition, to move up to get a QB in the late first. I also would not be surprised if we moved up again in the 3rd or 4th round to snap another player of interest.

It may only change a couple of picks though. The main one being Stanzi as our QB.

Apr 27, 2011 at 2:20 PM

#27

feeblefreestyler
Veteran
Posts: 101

Originally posted by OnTheClock:
Originally posted by PTulini:
I like most of the picks, but I'm just not a fan of Ricky Stanzi.

You know, I'm not a big fan either. I think it would be a risky pick, but for some reason I think we still might do it. Here's to hoping whoever we get turns out to be just fine though.

Stanzi in the second is definitely a reach. That said, I do not think it is unreasonable to expect him to be picked then. Ultimately, this is what I really dislike about this draft: the QBs are way over-valued. Where do you think Stanzi goes in last years draft? Probably the 4th round? Yet, he is likely to be a 2nd or 3rd rounder this season.

In the end, I'm okay with drafting him so long as he's not the Week 1 or even the Week 16 starter. Stanzi needs time to develop, especially physically.

Scott

Apr 27, 2011 at 2:22 PM

#28

OnTheClock
Hall of Fame
Posts: 38,514

Originally posted by dmax:
Hey OTC

What about greg little for the 4th rd WR

That would be an absolute no-brainer, as he is an absolutely electric player who would physically dominate corners in the NFL. Only problem is he likely won't be there in the 4th. I believe he'll go in the 2nd or early 3rd round.

Little has enormous potential and had only just cracked the surface of it after converting from RB to WR at UNC. Little is even faster than his timed speed indicates and can either juke you out of your socks or run over you in the open field. Extremely tough to bring down, and rarely loses a battle for a jump ball. Outstanding blocker too.

Apr 27, 2011 at 2:28 PM

#29

mayo49
Veteran
Posts: 65,216

Total Access tonight is going to have a segment comparing Prince and Peterson. Be interesting to see what they say. Hopelly, Mayock is doing the evaluating.

[ Edited by mayo49 on Apr 27, 2011 at 15:00:43 ]

Apr 27, 2011 at 2:28 PM

#30

LottOfDefense
Veteran
Posts: 2,753

Originally posted by OnTheClock:
Originally posted by PTulini:
I like most of the picks, but I'm just not a fan of Ricky Stanzi.

You know, I'm not a big fan either. I think it would be a risky pick, but for some reason I think we still might do it. Here's to hoping whoever we get turns out to be just fine though.

I really hope Ballke moves around this draft. Hopefully the opportunity is there.