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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.
Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team revealed his latest mock draft, which goes seven rounds deep and projects every selection for every NFL team. While most predict that the San Francisco 49ers will add an offensive lineman with their first selection, No. 31 overall, Mosher has the Bay Area team going in a different direction.
The writer and analyst has the Niners selecting former UCLA pass rusher Laiatu Latu in the first round.
"It wouldn't be a shock to see Laiatu Latu fall in the draft due to his medical history, but he is too good of a value to pass up here at No. 31," Mosher wrote. "The San Francisco 49ers have been searching for the right pass
49ers add edge rusher in latest NFL.com mock draft
By David Bonilla
Apr 9
NFL Network host Rhett Lewis released his first mock draft of the year on NFL.com. What does he project the San Francisco 49ers doing with the No. 31 overall pick? Lewis has the team acquiring some edge-rushing help, bolstering a group that already includes Nick Bosa and newly signed Leonard Floyd.
The host has the 49ers selecting former Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson.
According to Sports Reference, Robinson registered 41 tackles, including 17.5 for a loss, 9.5 sacks, three passes defensed, and three forced fumbles in two
Donte Whitner believes 49ers were dealt a bad hand during Super Bowl
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One former San Francisco 49ers player is making his opinion of Super Bowl 58 very clear. He believes his former team was dealt a bad hand in the matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in Las Vegas two months ago.
Former 49ers safety Donte Whitner, appearing this week on the "Up & Adam" show with Kay Adams, was vocal regarding the matchup and how certain circumstances seemed to favor the Chiefs.
"And when we think about the Super Bowl as well, I think that the 49ers played against the refs as well, guys," Whitner told Adams. "I think that when we look at that film and you see bear hugs on those defensive ends, right? And you really see it in blatant moments in the game."
Adams couldn't help but laugh at Whitner's comments, and the former player
Why ESPN analyst hopes 49ers address O-line in the draft
By David Bonilla
Apr 9
ESPN analyst Matt Miller watches the San Francisco 49ers differently than other teams. As a 49ers fan, he feels more invested in the team's successes and failures than most analysts.
With the draft nearing, Miller made it clear which direction he believes head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch should take with their first pick. In his ESPN mock draft, a seven-round doozy, the analyst had the 49ers selecting former Arizona offensive lineman Jordan Morgan.
Miller recently joined the 49ers Webzone "No Huddle" podcast, sharing why he adamantly hopes the team addresses the offensive line at the end of the month.
"So I
