- Get a young QB in place – It takes quarterbacks a few years to develop, and getting a good young QB in place can help attract future talent (see Raiders).
- Build from the inside out – Start in the trenches, and build outwardly.
- Let the kids play – Some of our recent high picks need a chance to prove themselves. In particular, we may have some talent at the WR (i.e. Smelter/Ellington) and OLB (i.e. Eli/Tank) positions, and we need to see what we have before replacing them.
Here we go:
Additional signings
No one!
Trade
Kaepernick + 2016 5th rounder (own) + 2016 6th rounder (Broncos) to Broncos for 2016 2nd rounder + Ryan Clady
Clady becomes insurance in case Davis doesn't come back. The offense can't function without solid line play, so we need to patch that up to start the rebuilding process.
Draft
First round: own pick (No. 7) – Jared Goff QB
He sits for a year behind Gabbert while learning the system.
Second round: own pick (No. 37) – Jaylon Smith LB
He can take a red-shirt year while we continue to lose, but is the exact type of presence this defense needs in the middle
Second round: Broncos (No. 63) – Nick Martin C
Experienced center who can compete with Kilgore for the starting position right away.
Third round: own pick (No. 68) – Christian Westerman OG
Big, strong, and athletic. Projects nicely in a ZBS, and can compete to start right away at RG
Fourth round: own pick (No. 105) – Joe Haeg OT/OG
Athletic LT prospect who needs a bit of time to improve his strength. Can understudy behind Staley, and contribute at LG.
Fourth round: compensatory pick (No. 133) – Daniel Lasco RB
Goff's college running back has the speed and receiving ability to thrive in Kelly's system.
Fifth round: Cowboy's pick (No 142) – Hassan Ridgeway DE/DT
Big, athletic fella with experience in the 5 technique
Fifth round: compensatory pick (No. 174) – Matt Judon OLB/DE
Small school guy with big production. Can compete with Eli and Tank to replace Brooks
Sixth round: own pick (No 178) – D.J. Reader NT
Quick big bodied nose prospect to groom behind Williams.
Sixth round: compensatory pick (No. 211) – Kevin Hogan QB
Extra depth behind Gabbert/Goff
Sixth round: compensatory pick (No. 213) – Anthony Zettel DE
Really good athlete who could fall. May take a few years, but has a future as a 5 technique