For the first time since the 2011 draft the 49ers find themselves with a pick in the top half of the first round due to their 8-8 record in 2014. Trent Baalke enters Thursday night with a number of holes to fill on both sides of the ball, and the following is how he will look to fill those holes.
Round 1, pick 15 - Dorial Green-Beckham - Wide Receiver, Oklahoma.
The 49ers need to add playmakers on offense, and with DeVante Parker off the board when the 49ers pick comes up Trent Baalke goes with the best remaining wide receiver available. Green-Beckham made an instant impact with Missouri in college, and his ability to use his body to gain position will make him the instant redzone threat that the 49ers offense has desperately needed the last few seasons.
Round 2, pick 46 - Jaelen Collins - Cornerback, LSU.
Collins is coming off foot surgery, but is expected to be ready for minicamps in May. Look for the 49ers to bring him along slowly behing free agent Shareece Wright. In 2014, Collins allowed just over 35% of the passes thrown his way to be completed.
Round 3, pick 79 - Marcus Hardison - Defensive Tackle, Arizona State.
Hardison had a tremendous 2014 campaign in the desert which included 10 sacks, and 15 tackles for loss. The 49ers will look for him to improve their pass rush in 2015 and beyond.
Round 4, pick 127 - Jeremiah Poutasi - Guard, Utah.
Poutasi has the size and versatility that Trent Baalke looks for in his offensive linemen. He played at left tackle for the Utes the last two seasons, but projects more as a guard or swing tackle for the 49ers.
Round 4, pick 132 - Sean Mannion - Quarterback, Oregon State.
There has been chatter that Trent Baalke is very interested in Mannion, which makes sense. Mannion spent his college career playing in a pro style offense for the Beavers, and is at his best when throwing off play action. This should fit right into what the 49ers will be doing offensively under the new coaching regime, and Mannion gives them a solution as a long-term back up.
Round 5, pick 151 - Taiwan Jones - Inside Linebacker, Michigan State.
Jones provides the 49ers with another Big Ten linebacker to replace Chris Borland. Jones plays downhill with power and could push Michael Wilhoite for playing time alongside Novorro Bowman.
Round 6, pick 189 - Terrence Magee - Running Back, LSU.
While short in stature, Magee has shown the ability to run with power. He will give the 49ers another option at running back behind Kendall Hunter.
Round 7, pick 246 - Quandre Diggs - Cornerback, Texas.
Diggs was a primary starter for four seasons with the Longhorns, and his experience playing inside and outside provides versatility.
Round 7, pick 254 - Junior Sylvestre - Outside Linebacker, Toledo.
Quick athlete with the ability to drop into coverage and rush the passer.
