Getting in a little late this year with my mock draft for 2015. Player position will change dramatically with the offseason, I'm just trying to look at some shots in the dark here, trying to nail down some perceived team needs and listing some prospects that I like a lot. 49ers should be getting a comp pick somewhere but that isn't reflected here. I do expect Harbaugh to ultimately be traded for a 3rd round pick. that is included.
Round 1-Kevin White-WR-WVU-6'3", 205. The more I see of White, the more impressed I become. He's been compared to a bigger Steve Smith, has also drawn some comparisons to Larry Fitzgerald. I love his aggressiveness and physicality, he's not a speedster but has enough speed to be a decent vertical threat, but mostly just a big physical presence with terrific leaping ability. He's made some downright silly circus catches and while I believe the offense he plays in does inflate his stats a bit, I have no reason to doubt that he's not the real deal. He could end up going higher than where the 49ers will be picking in the first round, right now I have them between 11 and 14, but if he's around when they pick, he would be well worth it and would add a true playmaker to the offense.
Round 2-Shawn Oakman-DE-Baylor-6'8", 270. I see Oakman as a borderline 1st or 2nd rounder. He's got a lot of potential, has been a good player for Baylor but is still relatively raw. Technically he is not very sound, in terms of using his hands, remaining low(obviously height works against him) and even tackling are areas where he needs to improve. Working with Tomsula could do wonders for him and his height becomes not just an asset on defense in batting passes down at the line but also on special teams. Has Calais Campbell type potential.
Round 3(Harbaugh Pick)-Laken Tomlinson-Duke-6'3", 320. Tomlinson is a smaller school player who has shown a lot of promise, very experienced four year starter, for a guy with his build seems to move well, great flexibility, stays low, has some good power, solid both as a run and pass blocker. I'm going to especially interested to see how he does in the Senior Bowl and some much higher level competition.
Round 3-Garrett Grayson-QB-Colorado State-6'2", 225. A nice prospect to develop as a backup QB and potentially a future starter. Grayson is comfortable in the pocket but possesses the mobility to get outside and run if he needs to buy some time or simply scramble for yards. There's some weaknesses in his game, a tendency to stare down receivers, some iffy footwork, acceptable but not great arm strength however I do like that he constantly steps up in the pocket or scrambles while always keeping his eyes downfield, always looking to throw the ball and make a play. His accuracy is improving and he's been playing in a pro-style offense which can only help his development in the NFL.
Round 4(Denver)-Byron Jones-CB-UConn-6'1", 195. I like Byron Jones a lot. If this team is looking to add another physical corner who does well against the run, Jones fits the bill. He's an ideal press corner, very tough, experienced guy with some injury issues including a recent one that took him out for the season. I see him as pretty good value at this point in the draft and added insurance in case Cox or Culliver walk in the offseason.
Round 5-Kenny Hilliard-RB-LSU-6'0", 225. Hilliard doesn't have very gaudy stats as he was part of a RB-by-committee but he would be a nice, physical addition to the RB corps with the 49ers. Nothing fancy about him, he goes north and south, he lowers his head and packs a wallop, running through defenders. An afternoon of getting beat up by Hyde and Hilliard would wear down any defense.
Round 6-Jermaine Whitehead-5'11", 185-SS-Auburn. Whitehead is a pick for depth at safety and special teams. He's an undersized but experienced starter from Auburn that cold end up replacing Dahl on the roster. A suspension while at Auburn should drop him down the boards.
Round 7-Marcus Rush-OLB-Michigan State-6'2", 248. Rush is a sentimental favorite, tough as nail, great motor, doesn't have great stats but has been able to consistently create pressure, some have him as a UDFA, some have him as high as the 5th round, I lean more towards the former not the latter but if nothing else, he could provide some good performances on special teams.
[ Edited by Phoenix49ers on Dec 9, 2014 at 12:10 PM ]