Crazy49er1313's Insomniac Pre-Combine Mock Draft

Good evening fellow Zoners, long time no post

With all the hullabaloo and negative vibe attacks in Niner Talk post-Tomsula starting to die down,and the combine vastly approaching, I decided to come up with my first mock draft of the season. After looking over numerous Zoner drafts (all awesome and very informative ) and the well thought through rankings of Maddog and OTC, and AB's kick-ass website PigskinProspects.com, I have come to place in my own picks within these stipulations:

1. I have no f***ing idea how the numbers works like AB does contract/cap wise, but Paraag has always found a way. Therefore, don't expect me to go through each number breakdown, but I also understand we aren't signing Suh, Houston, and Bryant via FA.

2. As fun as trades would be, Baalke is incredibly difficult to predict. Therefore, I will assume in some picks we'll trade back, with whom I won't know but Baalke likes to trade back for future picks. In either case, I will mark with a *** to indicate trade back.

3. I weigh my picks on both talent and need. Some may not make sense for immediate need, but I also weighed future need with talent available and possible lost future players.


Well, since I've now bored 95% of you, without further adieu, here's the Insomniac Mock :

Retire:

Justin Smith: This made me super sad , but Cowboy always left it on the field. Will never forget you

Resign:

Frank Gore: He wants to be a Niner for Life, and under the scrutiny of the Tomsula uproars and negative PR, Jed can't afford not to. Also, Hyde still needs time to adjust to pro-speed, and hopefully keep healthy while doing so.

Dan Skuta: Cheap, can play both OLB positions, and valuable ST player

Michael Wilhoite: Will tender him, but worry Fangio may exchange draft pick to a guy who knows his defense. Hoping Fox says "no dice"...

Chris Culliver: Will be our biggest FA pick up. We can't lose out on both Cully and Cox, but his size/speed/age puts him slightly ahead of Cox, who will kill it with his future Chicago contract.

Chris Cook: Value not there in FA, will sign 1-year.


Extend/Restructure:

Kaepernick/Willis/Bowman: All will get their money, most likely in bonus form to help cap

Aldon Smith: Will get his money, but will backload to help cap.

Stevie Johnson: Helps cap number to stay on team


Cut:

Craig Dahl: Not worth money owed.

Ahmad Brooks: To those of you who know me, I've been a fan of him since his UVa days and WANTED him in the supplemental BADLY...he has been one of my favorite players during this run, but this is a business, and with Aaron Lynch emerging with a rookie pay grade, Ahmad is gone. To everyone saying he'll be traded, there's not one team who thinks we'll keep him on our roster, so they'll save the draft pick.


Free Agency:

Virgil Green (TE): He fits in perfectly into our run-first, PA based offense. Helps he has great rapport with our QB, and he can kill it both in catching/blocking roles.

[Sorry Zoners, team will not be going too big in FA, salary cap sucks...]


Draft:

Round 1- Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon


Ok, let the commence...c'mon everyone, let it out, I can wait... Now, since that's out of your systems, hear me out. First, Danny shelton will NOT be there at 15. Also, Parker/White most likely will not be there either and there's no other WR worth "reaching" for at 15.
Yes, his pass rush numbers weren't high enough, but he is an athletic freak, not to mention you can't coach 290lbs, 6'7". You know who else got that label pre-draft? Calaias Campbell. Yeah, and we all know how much we'd kill for him to be on our team, let alone not having to face him twice a year.


Round 2***- Laken Tomlinson, OG, Duke

Wow, I'm not making many friends, but hear me out. I've heard many posters focus on strengthening the trenches again, and the first two picks do that. Yes, we have depth with Kilgore, MMartin, BThomas (who I think will KILL it at LG!!!), Parrell, and Looney, but Tomlinson has the unique athleticism that not only shows in his strong run blocking, but is probably the best pass blocking guard. Also, I expect Boone to be gone after his contract is up. With Kaep's high sack numbers, he'll need all the help he can get!
Talent is talent, and even though we are low on it at WR, can't throw it to the guy if our QB is on his back...


Round 3- Justin Hardy, WR, East Carolina

Finally, I get a damn WR in here! He's not a speedster, which I predict will show in the combine. But, what he has is two things we've missed in our WRs as well, 1) Ability to engage and separate from CBs, and 2) Has pull away speed after the catch. Guy is a pro, great hands, and will be fighting for #3 role (possibly even #2 )


Round 4- Ladarius Gunter, CB, Miami (Fla.)

Yes, this is a reach, but athletic 6'2" CBs are worth the reach. Yes, he could be a bust, but his ceiling is higher than his possible "bust" capacity. I cannot take credit for this pick, since every draft I've seen on the Zone has him being picked, so kudos to you fellow Zoners


Round 4 (predicted comp)- Jeremy Langford, RB, Michigan State

We just resigned Gore, and now we just picked ANOTHER RB?!?!?! Hear me out: Langford is a bruiser to take those short yardage hits, saving Gore's health and Hyde's future. Langford would be higher in this draft if it wasn't such a deep RB draft. Most likely will be battling Hunter for spot.


Round 5- Ty Montgomery, WR, Stanford

For everyone who wanted speed, here you go. Coming off injury, should at least improve PR/KR.


Round 6- Christian Covington, DT/NT, Rice

Our "Red Shirt" player this season. Has high motor, high energy guy. Tomsula will be in love with him after watching his video. Will compete in 2016.


Round 7- Blake Sims, QB, Alabama

Guy knows how to win. Mobile and can compete for PS spot.




Well, hope y'all liked it (or not, 100% likely to be changed after Combine )

Although I am not a fan of the choices, I can't be angry with reinforcing the trenches. I'd prefer Malcolm Brown for DT in the first, and AJ Cann for OG in the second.

Originally posted by Crazy49er1313:

Good evening fellow Zoners, long time no post

With all the hullabaloo and negative vibe attacks in Niner Talk post-Tomsula starting to die down,and the combine vastly approaching, I decided to come up with my first mock draft of the season. After looking over numerous Zoner drafts (all awesome and very informative ) and the well thought through rankings of Maddog and OTC, and AB's kick-ass website PigskinProspects.com, I have come to place in my own picks within these stipulations:

1. I have no f***ing idea how the numbers works like AB does contract/cap wise, but Paraag has always found a way. Therefore, don't expect me to go through each number breakdown, but I also understand we aren't signing Suh, Houston, and Bryant via FA.

2. As fun as trades would be, Baalke is incredibly difficult to predict. Therefore, I will assume in some picks we'll trade back, with whom I won't know but Baalke likes to trade back for future picks. In either case, I will mark with a *** to indicate trade back.

3. I weigh my picks on both talent and need. Some may not make sense for immediate need, but I also weighed future need with talent available and possible lost future players.


Well, since I've now bored 95% of you, without further adieu, here's the Insomniac Mock :

Retire:

Justin Smith: This made me super sad , but Cowboy always left it on the field. Will never forget you

Resign:

Frank Gore: He wants to be a Niner for Life, and under the scrutiny of the Tomsula uproars and negative PR, Jed can't afford not to. Also, Hyde still needs time to adjust to pro-speed, and hopefully keep healthy while doing so.

Dan Skuta: Cheap, can play both OLB positions, and valuable ST player

Michael Wilhoite: Will tender him, but worry Fangio may exchange draft pick to a guy who knows his defense. Hoping Fox says "no dice"...

Chris Culliver: Will be our biggest FA pick up. We can't lose out on both Cully and Cox, but his size/speed/age puts him slightly ahead of Cox, who will kill it with his future Chicago contract.

Chris Cook: Value not there in FA, will sign 1-year.


Extend/Restructure:

Kaepernick/Willis/Bowman: All will get their money, most likely in bonus form to help cap

Aldon Smith: Will get his money, but will backload to help cap.

Stevie Johnson: Helps cap number to stay on team


Cut:

Craig Dahl: Not worth money owed.

Ahmad Brooks: To those of you who know me, I've been a fan of him since his UVa days and WANTED him in the supplemental BADLY...he has been one of my favorite players during this run, but this is a business, and with Aaron Lynch emerging with a rookie pay grade, Ahmad is gone. To everyone saying he'll be traded, there's not one team who thinks we'll keep him on our roster, so they'll save the draft pick.


Free Agency:

Virgil Green (TE): He fits in perfectly into our run-first, PA based offense. Helps he has great rapport with our QB, and he can kill it both in catching/blocking roles.

[Sorry Zoners, team will not be going too big in FA, salary cap sucks...]


Draft:

Round 1- Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon


Ok, let the commence...c'mon everyone, let it out, I can wait... Now, since that's out of your systems, hear me out. First, Danny shelton will NOT be there at 15. Also, Parker/White most likely will not be there either and there's no other WR worth "reaching" for at 15.
Yes, his pass rush numbers weren't high enough, but he is an athletic freak, not to mention you can't coach 290lbs, 6'7". You know who else got that label pre-draft? Calaias Campbell. Yeah, and we all know how much we'd kill for him to be on our team, let alone not having to face him twice a year.


Round 2***- Laken Tomlinson, OG, Duke

Wow, I'm not making many friends, but hear me out. I've heard many posters focus on strengthening the trenches again, and the first two picks do that. Yes, we have depth with Kilgore, MMartin, BThomas (who I think will KILL it at LG!!!), Parrell, and Looney, but Tomlinson has the unique athleticism that not only shows in his strong run blocking, but is probably the best pass blocking guard. Also, I expect Boone to be gone after his contract is up. With Kaep's high sack numbers, he'll need all the help he can get!
Talent is talent, and even though we are low on it at WR, can't throw it to the guy if our QB is on his back...


Round 3- Justin Hardy, WR, East Carolina

Finally, I get a damn WR in here! He's not a speedster, which I predict will show in the combine. But, what he has is two things we've missed in our WRs as well, 1) Ability to engage and separate from CBs, and 2) Has pull away speed after the catch. Guy is a pro, great hands, and will be fighting for #3 role (possibly even #2 )


Round 4- Ladarius Gunter, CB, Miami (Fla.)

Yes, this is a reach, but athletic 6'2" CBs are worth the reach. Yes, he could be a bust, but his ceiling is higher than his possible "bust" capacity. I cannot take credit for this pick, since every draft I've seen on the Zone has him being picked, so kudos to you fellow Zoners


Round 4 (predicted comp)- Jeremy Langford, RB, Michigan State

We just resigned Gore, and now we just picked ANOTHER RB?!?!?! Hear me out: Langford is a bruiser to take those short yardage hits, saving Gore's health and Hyde's future. Langford would be higher in this draft if it wasn't such a deep RB draft. Most likely will be battling Hunter for spot.


Round 5- Ty Montgomery, WR, Stanford

For everyone who wanted speed, here you go. Coming off injury, should at least improve PR/KR.


Round 6- Christian Covington, DT/NT, Rice

Our "Red Shirt" player this season. Has high motor, high energy guy. Tomsula will be in love with him after watching his video. Will compete in 2016.


Round 7- Blake Sims, QB, Alabama

Guy knows how to win. Mobile and can compete for PS spot.




Well, hope y'all liked it (or not, 100% likely to be changed after Combine )

I do like the first 4 picks and would be fine with them if picked by Baalke, but feel instead of Armstead, Baalke can trade down to #25 with Carolina and take Perriman plus pick up another 2nd RD pick. I could see Baalke taking Preston Smith DE (long arms, big hands) and Duke Johnson RB in the 2nd and Lynden Trail OLB in the 3rd. With 2 picks in the 4th, he could go OL and CB (Gunter or Byron Jones). In the 5th take Xavier Williams NT.

Thanks for the mock

Agree with the off-season moves. Culliver will probably be our biggest FA signing and I hope they extend Smith. I think the Cowboy comes back, he's been around the weight room a lot during the off season.
Green would be a great pickup at TE, but Tomas might not be back in Denver from the sounds of it and they might be able to give him more cash then us.

I wouldn't be mad if we went Arik at 15, he is a monster and under a good teaching coach could be a pro-bowler. After that it went down hill for me....

Why OG in the 2nd? They just draft 2 O-lineman in the 1st 3 rounds last year B Thomas, M Martin, and Looney will fight for one open spot. They need a swing tackle to take over J Martin's spot, which can be had later.

Hardy doesn't offer anything different then what they currently have in SJ or Boldin. We have 3 possession WRs so you want to draft another? They need speed to open the field. TY avg only 9.9 yds a catch in 2014 and has suspect hands. I don't really see him more than a P/K returner. One of our first two picks needs to be a WR

Originally posted by NYniner85:
Thanks for the mock

Agree with the off-season moves. Culliver will probably be our biggest FA signing and I hope they extend Smith. I think the Cowboy comes back, he's been around the weight room a lot during the off season.
Green would be a great pickup at TE, but Tomas might not be back in Denver from the sounds of it and they might be able to give him more cash then us.

I wouldn't be mad if we went Arik at 15, he is a monster and under a good teaching coach could be a pro-bowler. After that it went down hill for me....

Why OG in the 2nd? They just draft 2 O-lineman in the 1st 3 rounds last year B Thomas, M Martin, and Looney will fight for one open spot. They need a swing tackle to take over J Martin's spot, which can be had later.

Hardy doesn't offer anything different then what they currently have in SJ or Boldin. We have 3 possession WRs so you want to draft another? They need speed to open the field. TY avg only 9.9 yds a catch in 2014 and has suspect hands. I don't really see him more than a P/K returner. One of our first two picks needs to be a WR

Thanks for the compliments . As for OG, I'm basing this under the assumption this year we'll still be filling in both LG and C, and next year RG (I think Boone is done and Looney isn't starting material). I think Brandon Thomas will be the STEAL of our 2014 draft and will destroy ppl at LG, but we cannot be sure since he hasn't even been on the field yet. As for MMartin, I think he'll become starting C and leave Kilgore as our first fill-in guy and jumbo package OL. With Tomlinson, he can step immediately into competing for both OG spots, or he can learn the system and beef up his run blocking for the RG position in 2016. As we've seen with ourselves, the Cowboys, the Pats, and other squads: If you invest in the OL, EVERYONE gets better.

As for Hardy, he may look more like a possession WR on paper, but in the games I watched him in (around 4 this year), he constantly got separation after being pressed at the LOS and showed afterburners after his catches (which, I might add, he had quite a few spectacular ones ). You make a very solid point we need speed at WR, but between Roman under-utilizing Ellington's speed last year and my predictions of guys like Devin Smith/Philip Dorsett being over-drafted after their combine speeds come into play, I can't see us wasting a 1st or trade up in the 2nd to get either. If either White/Parker available at 15 though, of course you go with them, since both fill the talent and need roles.

Finally, Montgomery has break away speed, but you're right about his suspect hands. He'll be relegated to PR/KR specialist, but I still have nightmares about 2011, so I've been satisfied with guys just catching the ball, let alone looking for positive yardage. Montgomery could be that talent we get late that pays HUGE dividends in the future. Also allows Ellington to focus solely on offensive production, which I see a bright future with him and Kaepernick if he gets the chance.

Thanks so much for the great insight and will definitely help me improve my next mock

Originally posted by ESWYoung08:
Although I am not a fan of the choices, I can't be angry with reinforcing the trenches. I'd prefer Malcolm Brown for DT in the first, and AJ Cann for OG in the second.

Appreciate the feedback. I agree 100% with AJ Cann over Laken Tomlinson, but I feel AJ Cann will be gone by our 2nd rounder and the one positive Laken has over AJ is his pass blocking, which we sorely need. As for Malcolm Brown, I feel if both Brown/Armstead are available, Armstead has the highest ceiling and will fill the biggest need of DE w/JSmith retiring in my mock. In all honesty, if Armstead/Shelton not there, I'd go Vic Beasely if there or trade down for Brown or Best offensive weapon available (WR or Maxx Williams).

Originally posted by crew:
I do like the first 4 picks and would be fine with them if picked by Baalke, but feel instead of Armstead, Baalke can trade down to #25 with Carolina and take Perriman plus pick up another 2nd RD pick. I could see Baalke taking Preston Smith DE (long arms, big hands) and Duke Johnson RB in the 2nd and Lynden Trail OLB in the 3rd. With 2 picks in the 4th, he could go OL and CB (Gunter or Byron Jones). In the 5th take Xavier Williams NT.

I agree that we could trade back, but as I put in my parameters I don't have the knowledge of valuing the trade properly. As I put in the previous response, if Shelton/Armstead/White/Parker aren't there at 15, I think a trade would be awesome (especially if we're picking Brown/Wayne). As for you're pick of Perriman, I am a little hesitant. I like the hands/size, but at 25, would much rather have Jaelen Strong or even go out on a limb and get Maxx Williams if we feel Vernon is too injury prone. Perriman in the 2nd, though, I'd jump in a heartbeat.

As for the Smith, Johnson, and Trail picks, those would be amazing (Duke Johnson is my draft crush, but see him rising to early 2nd due to RB-needy teams [guy is a speedster who can take a hit AND pass block!]) and wouldn't complain in the least. I also thought about the Xavier Williams pick, but have heard questions on "drive" and "taking plays off", but as a guy who played DL a little bit (yes, I am an arm chair GM living vicariously through my team, lol!), ppl abuse those words too much. Try sprinting full speed at over 300lbs and smashing into other 300+lbs men over 40 times a game and tell me if you get tired. Overall, I saw more promise in Covington from Rice, but wouldn't be upset with either Williams or Covington. Thanks for the insight!

Originally posted by Crazy49er1313:
Thanks for the compliments . As for OG, I'm basing this under the assumption this year we'll still be filling in both LG and C, and next year RG (I think Boone is done and Looney isn't starting material). I think Brandon Thomas will be the STEAL of our 2014 draft and will destroy ppl at LG, but we cannot be sure since he hasn't even been on the field yet. As for MMartin, I think he'll become starting C and leave Kilgore as our first fill-in guy and jumbo package OL. With Tomlinson, he can step immediately into competing for both OG spots, or he can learn the system and beef up his run blocking for the RG position in 2016. As we've seen with ourselves, the Cowboys, the Pats, and other squads: If you invest in the OL, EVERYONE gets better.

As for Hardy, he may look more like a possession WR on paper, but in the games I watched him in (around 4 this year), he constantly got separation after being pressed at the LOS and showed afterburners after his catches (which, I might add, he had quite a few spectacular ones ). You make a very solid point we need speed at WR, but between Roman under-utilizing Ellington's speed last year and my predictions of guys like Devin Smith/Philip Dorsett being over-drafted after their combine speeds come into play, I can't see us wasting a 1st or trade up in the 2nd to get either. If either White/Parker available at 15 though, of course you go with them, since both fill the talent and need roles.

Finally, Montgomery has break away speed, but you're right about his suspect hands. He'll be relegated to PR/KR specialist, but I still have nightmares about 2011, so I've been satisfied with guys just catching the ball, let alone looking for positive yardage. Montgomery could be that talent we get late that pays HUGE dividends in the future. Also allows Ellington to focus solely on offensive production, which I see a bright future with him and Kaepernick if he gets the chance.

Thanks so much for the great insight and will definitely help me improve my next mock

I thought Kilgore played at a high level when he was at center (some say he was the most reliable player on the line). I agree Thomas should come in and play LG at a high level and Martin to me is a backup with some good upside (maybe take over Boone's spot after this year). They need a swing tackle more than a guard. I think Smith would be perfect for them at WR and fills a big role. Baalke even talked about it yesterday, saying they need speed and a player that can get down field

If we came out with Arik and Smith as our 2 1st picks I'd be a happy man, also I just don't see SF not drafting a RB this year. They have drafted one every year Baalke has been GM and this is one of the best running back classes in a while.

Originally posted by NYniner85:
I thought Kilgore played at a high level when he was at center (some say he was the most reliable player on the line). I agree Thomas should come in and play LG at a high level and Martin to me is a backup with some good upside (maybe take over Boone's spot after this year). They need a swing tackle more than a guard. I think Smith would be perfect for them at WR and fills a big role. Baalke even talked about it yesterday, saying they need speed and a player that can get down field

If we came out with Arik and Smith as our 2 1st picks I'd be a happy man, also I just don't see SF not drafting a RB this year. They have drafted one every year Baalke has been GM and this is one of the best running back classes in a while.

I definitely can see Arik and Smith as the 1st 2 picks, with Jeremy Langford RB with a 4th RD pick

Not a bad mock

Originally posted by NYniner85:
I thought Kilgore played at a high level when he was at center (some say he was the most reliable player on the line). I agree Thomas should come in and play LG at a high level and Martin to me is a backup with some good upside (maybe take over Boone's spot after this year). They need a swing tackle more than a guard. I think Smith would be perfect for them at WR and fills a big role. Baalke even talked about it yesterday, saying they need speed and a player that can get down field

If we came out with Arik and Smith as our 2 1st picks I'd be a happy man, also I just don't see SF not drafting a RB this year. They have drafted one every year Baalke has been GM and this is one of the best running back classes in a while.

I think Kilgore had the advantage of knowing the system plus MMartin being hurt beginning of year. MMartin is talented enough to play either C or OG, but I see his future as a Center. I see your point about swing tackle need, but willing to give JMartin one more year (and hopefully won't need him to start) before picking up an OT. Will definitely address OT in future mock

As for Arik/Smith as 1st and 2nd picks, I'd be ecstatic! Just don't see Smith as a 1st (ala McShay ), but he'll be great value at our 2nd. Also, I picked Langford in the 4th, but if we could get Duke Johnson I'd do cartwheels for a week!

Originally posted by crew:
I definitely can see Arik and Smith as the 1st 2 picks, with Jeremy Langford RB with a 4th RD pick

LOVE IT!!!

Originally posted by tohara3:
Not a bad mock

Thank you

Crazy, you really are crazy. Nice mock.

Interesting mock! I'm a bit concerned that Armstead is all potential and no production.

Taking two WRs in the first five rounds pleased me! Montgomery and Hardy are the opposite of Armstead...production above measurables

Really like Tomlinson as well--favorite comment about him? "Uses his eyes well to pick up twists and extra rushers, clearly displaying a high football IQ." The missing ingredient with the 9ers line last year!

Langford may be a nice Gore replacement this year or next. Comment from CBS--"no-nonsense style of running the ball, getting stronger as the game progresses. Has a little shake-and-bake to him to extend runs, keeping his legs pumping through contact."

Most picks seem to be in the range they will be picked, except for Covington, who CBS ranks as a 4th rounder.
.
.

I'd prefer somebody else over Armstead but I wouldn't cry over that pick. Not sure why take a guard in the 2nd round with Thomas, Martin and Looney on the roster. And I like Hardy but he's just another possession wr. Like the rest of the picks and off season.