The San Francisco 49ers surprisingly drafted a defensive end, running back, and wide receiver with their first three picks of the draft. This marks the sixth time in the past eight drafts that they selected a defensive lineman with their first draft pick. With six picks in rounds 4-7 expect the 49ers to finally address the secondary and offensive line.
49ers best available players heading into day three:
CB Tariq Woolen (UTSA) : Woolen has the most impressive measurables for a second-round defensive back in recent memory. With his 6'4 frame he can guard any receiver on the field, and to go along with his length is surprising 4.26 40-yard dash speed. He could be the missing piece for the 49ers secondary and would no doubt make an immediate impact. Woolen was a two-year starter but never really flashed any impressive numbers in the stat sheet finishing with just one interception and five pass breakups in his last season.
CB Coby Bryant (Cincinnati) : Bryant played cornerback at Cincinnati opposite of number four overall pick in this years draft, Ahmad Gardner. That being said, he would be named the Jim Thorpe award winner in 2021 for the best defensive back in the country. Bryant relies more on technique than athletic ability and uses his length as an advantage against opposing receivers. Weighing in at 193 lbs and standing 6'1 Bryant is the desired size for a coverage cornerback in the NFL. Although he doesn't run a blazing fast 40 yard dash, 4.54 at the NFL combine, he is a four year starter who has plenty of experience and would make an immediate impact on the 49ers secondary.
C Dohnovan West (Arizona State) : The niners finally get their interior lineman here, and fill a need with Alex Mack on the verge of retirement. West stands at 6'6 and weighs in at 300 pounds. He showed tremendous versatility at ASU while playing 14 games at center, 11 at right guard, and four at left guard. If Mack were to stay, West would still bring his ability to move across the interior of the offensive line and could easily transition to guard if needed. West also comes with a wrestling background, lettering in three years.
LG Marquis Hayes (Oklahoma) : Marquis Hayes out of Oklahoma is a three-year starter and started 36 games at left guard. Hayes has a very high motor and is looking to put in 100% effort in every play he is on the field. If he is there in the fourth round, the 49ers will likely pounce on the opportunity to pick him. He played in one of the most complex and electric offenses in all of the country and can really move for his size. Hayes excels at moving defenders in the run game and has violent and powerful hands that put defenders on their back. Hayes has as much upside as any guard in this draft and for this value, it would be easy to why Kyle Shanahan and company waited until today to select an interior lineman.
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