EDIT-Damnit, Culliver going potato completely upsets my mock draft, pretty inconsiderate of him I must say
, so let me take another crack at this, a few minor changes. All picks marked with a * have been changed. Hopefully no other 49ers end up getting arrested in the next few days. *Round 1-Kyle Fuller-5'11", 190-CB-Virginia Tech. Yep, this is a big change, I still REALLY want to see Jason Verrett on the 49ers, pretty badly but I think that with Culliver going full potato, they might be looking more for a guy to play on the outside. While I think that Verrett could handle the role, I could also see the 49ers looking at someone with better length for the position. I don't see Fuller as the same sort of playmaker as Verrett but a very competent, consistent man CB who also plays the ball well in the air, a very aggressive tackler and by all accounts a good character guy and hard worker. Had some injury concerns this season but has been mostly healthy throughout. I could see him step in as the starting CB opposite Brock from then get go. Still hoping for Verrett, but Fuller would not surprise me at all and I'd be content with him being drafted as well.
Round 2-Donte Moncrief-6'2", 221-WR-Ole Miss. I went through and considered some other WR's with this selection but where Moncrief wins out for me is an almost uncanny ability to separate from coverage. From using a lethal stutter-step to some outstanding double moves, this guy gets open and stays open often. I see him with the potential to be a very good #2 WR in the NFL, has good body control, a tremendous leaper, someone that has to be accounted for out on the field at all times.
Round 2-Terrence Brooks-5'11", 195-FS-Florida State. I've gone back and forth with several safeties here, but in this slot, I think Brooks represents the best value. He's not a ballhawking type but plays smart, with very good awareness and instincts. He takes great angles when trying to make a tackle and does a good job of keeping the offensive players out in front of him. With him being drafted to develop as a replacement for Bethea down the road, I think he could provide useful depth and be a spot-starter at times if needed.
*Round 3-Jaylen Watkins-5'11", 194-CB/FS-Florida. Watkins has nice potential as a slot cornerback. He shows good lateral movement, terrific awareness and anticipation, is versatile having played both cornerback and safety, a very aggressive tackler that can sometimes whiff while going for a big hit but fairly reliable in the open field. He's got good size for the position along with the athleticism to keep up with faster receivers down the field. A good fit in the slot, can also be moved out to safety if needed.
Round 3-Lamin Barrow-6'1", 235-ILB-LSU. An ILB? You're crazy! Here's the thought that scares me, with Bowman out, Willis goes down with an injury for a few games and now you have Wilhoite and Moody out there as starters potentially. I think Barrow gives the 49ers strong depth at ILB, a guy who can help out on special teams, who is athletic enough to drop back into coverage, who shows good instincts and still has a lot of room to improve. He's someone with strong leadership skills, experienced, would instantly bolster the ILB position.
Round 3-Cody Latimer-6'2", 215-WR-Indiana. Latimer made a mistake by coming out too early IMO. Another good season and he could have been looked at as a potential late 1st rounder next season. He's still very raw, only started playing football in his junior year of high-school but he's been very productive at Indiana and fits this offense very well. Has a terrific build, an enthusiastic run-blocker, very physical, With him and Moncrief the 49ers add bigger, well-built targets that can develop alongside of Patton. He had a very good Pro Day, ran a 4.4 40 and showed outstanding leaping ability as well.
Round 4-Tyler Larsen-6'4", 315-C-Utah State. Nice center prospect for the 49ers, good agility and quickness for his size, very experienced starter who could provide solid depth behind Kilgore or even potentially work his way into being a starter.
Round 5-Jay Bromley-6'3", 306-DE/NT-Syracuse. Experienced starter who could compete for a roster spot, a guy who has a lot of physical talent, had an outstanding Pro Day, very athletic for his size, simply needs to refine his technique, learn better use of his hands. I like him as a prospect for Tomsula to work with, a high upside pick. Good pass-rushing potential as a 3-4 DE.
Round 6-Blaine Gabbert-QB-Missouri/London Jaguars.
Round 7-Trey Millard-6'2", 247-FB/TE-Oklahoma. I think everyone knows how I feel about Millard. I see him as a tremendous H-back prospect that the 49ers could stash away on IR if needed. His ability to block is tremendous, he can run, catch, line up out wide....etc, just an outstanding all-around talent that is potato level value at this point.
Round 7-Spencer Long-6'5", 320-OG-Nebraska. Potential depth at guard or even a replacement for Iupati in 2015. 2nd round value in the 7th round. Can be put away on IR for the 2014 season.
*Round 7-Shaq Richardson-6'0", 195-CB-Arizona. 49ers have shown interest in Richardson, he's a guy who originally went to UCLA, got into some trouble there, ended up at U of A and is a very nice prospect. Has ideal size and athleticism for the position, not sure if he's a long term starter at the next level but at this point in the draft, solid special teams performance and the additional depth at CB would be well worth it.
[ Edited by Phoenix49ers on Mar 28, 2014 at 10:02 PM ]
