Charley Casserly debuted his latest mock draft (version 2.0) live on NFL Network on Friday. His selection for the San Francisco 49ers, who own the ninth-overall pick, remained the same as version 1.0 of his mock draft. Once again, Casserly has the 49ers looking to improve their pass rush with the addition of defensive end Marcus Davenport of Texas-San Antonio.
The 49ers are in need of a true "Leo" pass rusher and Davenport would fulfill that need. The 2018 option for Elvis Dumervil, who led the team in sacks last season, was not picked up.
Defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina, along with a national team scout and an area scout, was in attendance for Davenport's pro day on March 28.
"They need a pass rusher, and to me, this is the second-best pass rusher in the draft," Casserly said. "What I like about Davenport is this; is the quickness and explosion off the line of scrimmage.
"Now, I think he's got natural pass rush skills, meaning he's got the hand quickness and the change-of-direction ability to beat the tackle. I think he can set the edge versus the run in the college tape that I watched, and he can make athletic plays against the run along with his pursuit being able to go sideline to sideline.
"Negatives? I think this guy is only an outside linebacker as far as a pass rusher. I think if the size enters in there, I like him staying on his feet as a pass rusher."
In four seasons with the Roadrunners, Davenport registered 185 combined tackles, 37.5 for a loss, 21.5 sacks, eight passes defensed, six forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries, according to Sports Reference. He recorded 55 combined tackles, 17.5 for a loss, 8.5 sacks, four passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery as a senior in 2017.
Casserly has the 49ers selecting Davenport over edge defender Tremaine Edmunds, who he calls "the best linebacker in the draft" and has going to the Oakland Raiders with the next pick. Another potential 49ers selection that is becoming more popular among mock drafts is linebacker Roquan Smith of Georgia. Casserly has the former Bulldog going to the Denver Broncos with the 12th selection in the draft.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, the 6-foot-6 and 264-pound Davenport had a 40-time of 4.58 seconds, a vertical jump of 33.5 inches, a broad jump of 124 inches, completed the three-cone drill in 7.20 seconds, had 22 reps in the bench press, and a 20-yard shuttle time of 4.41 seconds. Other measurables for Davenport include an arm length of 33 5/8 inches and hands that measure 9 1/8 inches.
