Let's do a mock draft. Nevermind that what happens in free agency might change things a bit or Trent Baalke will probably move all over the board with trades.
Using the draft simulator at fanspeak.com and the likely needs that the 49ers will look to address in the draft, I came away with the following draft:
1- Pick 30 - Justin Gilbert - CB Oklahoma State - At 6' and 200lbs, the 1st Team All-American cornerback fits the size and style of corner that Trent Baalke looks for.
2 - Pick 56 - Brandin Cooks - WR Oregon State - Cooks gives the 49ers an explosive threat to stretch the field on the outside. The biggest knock on Cooks is his size, only 5'10" and 185 lbs, but he fits the mold of receivers who have had the most success against Richard Sherman the last two years.
3 - Pick 61 - Ahmad Dixon - S Baylor - Dixon is extremely active in the run game but shows the ability to cover inside while struggling if outside the numbers. With Dixon and Reid, the 49ers are set at safety for years to come.
4 - Pick 77 - Cameron Fleming - OT Stanford - With Mike Iupati and Adam Snyder both set to be free agents after 2014, Baalke brings Fleming in to give him a year to prepare for taking over at left guard.
5 - Pick 94 - Yawin Smallwood - ILB UConn - The first team All-American Athletic Conference linebacker will provide depth inside while Navorro Bowman recuperates his injured knee. With the need to spend some big money to retain free agents coming up, Patrick Willis may be nearing the end and this move begins preparations for when that time comes.
6 - Pick 125 - Keith McGill - CB Utah - Moved to CB after playing Free Safety in Junior College and his first season at Utah. At 6'3", McGill provides the 49ers with a big "Sherman" type corner.
7 - Pick 158 - David Fales - QB SJSU - Fales falls this far due to concerns regarding his arm strength. Often makes up for that with very good anticipation. Has a nice feel in the pocket and mobility. Provides a potential long term solution at backup QB and insurance should contract negotiations with Kaepernick not go as planned.
8 - Pick 189 - Shaq Evans - WR UCLA - Evans provides a big play WR to challenge for a roster spot.
9 - Pick 218 - Tyler Gaffney - RB Stanford - The 49ers have a crowded running back group already, but Gaffney gives them a bruising back that knows the system and can probably be stashed on the practice squad for a season.
10 - Pick 219 - James Stone - C Tennessee - A developmental center to compete with Daniel Kilgore and Joe Looney in camp.
11 - Pick 220 - Ryan Hewitt - FB Stanford - As 2013 went along, the 49ers began using more 1 back sets with 2 or 3 tight ends. With experience at both FB and TE while at Stanford, Hewitt could push Derek Carrier for a spot on the active roster or practice squad.
12 - Pick 221 - Kevin Norwood - WR Alabama - Tough slot receiver during his time at Alabama and can fight for a roster spot.
What do you think? Disagree/Agree? Go to http://fanspeak.com/ontheclock/ to try it for yourself. Please let us know how your draft turns out.
