With the third pick in the fifth round (142nd overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected Appalachian State DE Ronald Blair. He is the second defensive end selected by the 49ers in this draft. The team used their first selection to pick up Oregon DE DeForest Buckner with the seventh overall selection.
In two years with Appalachian State, Blair compiled 114 tackles with 32 for a loss, 12.5 sacks, an interception, and a touchdown. He has played in 25 games.
NFL.com projected that Blair would be selected in rounds 6 or 7 of the NFL Draft.
Ronald Blair led all 3-4 DE with a run stop percentage in 2015 of 13.8% and ranked third with a 10.2 Pass Rush Productivity Rating. #49ers
Highly decorated four-year starter who capped off a successful career by being named Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year in 2015. He doesn't have the ability as a pass rusher to excite NFL teams, but his strength at the point of attack and quality tape against Clemson this past season should not be discounted. Blair is an undersized, rotational base end in a 4-3 who might be able to add extra weight and get a look inside as a three-technique thanks to his toughness and strength.
DraftInsider.net had the following to say about Blair in their scouting report:
Blair was competitive, hard-working, got the most out of his ability and in many instances overachieved. He'll do well at the next level coming off the bench as either defensive end or potentially under tackle in pass rushing situations.
Pro Football Focus had the following to say about Blair in their scouting report:
Blair was a productive pass rusher over the last two seasons and a much-improved run defender in 2015. However, the competition level is a question. He played well against Clemson last season but didn't face many NFL-caliber players otherwise. How will that translate to the NFL? Blair played mostly 3-4 DE in college but at his size is more likely an NFL edge player.
Measurables
Height: 6-2
Weight: 284 lbs.
Arm length: 34 inches
Hand length: 10 1/4 inches
49ers signing 3rd-round draft pick Ambry Thomas to 4-yr, $4.8 million deal
By David Bonilla
Jul 23, 2021
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the San Francisco 49ers have reached an agreement with cornerback Ambry Thomas on his four-year rookie deal. The 49ers selected him out of Michigan in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the No. 102 overall pick.
49ers reached agreement with 3rd-round pick cornerback and Michigan man Ambry Thomas, per his agent @DrewJRosenhaus.— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 23,
49ers sign 1st-round draft pick Trey Lance to 4-yr, $34.1 million deal
By David Bonilla
Jul 28, 2021
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN and the player's agent, the San Francisco 49ers have signed quarterback Trey Lance to his four-year rookie deal. The team selected Lance out of North Dakota State with the No. 3 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. He was the last unsigned player from San Francisco's most recent draft class.
The signing comes just hours before the 49ers go through their first practice of training camp.
Before the 49ers practice begins today, No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance signed his four-year, $34.1 million fully-guaranteed contract.— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
Round Table: When will Trey Lance get his first start for the 49ers?
By Site Staff
Jul 23, 2021
Jimmy Garoppolo is expected to be the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers when the team opens the regular season on September 12 against the Detroit Lions. How long he remains the starter is the question. San Francisco traded up to draft Garoppolo's eventual successor, Trey Lance, at No. 3 overall. He will bring a much different dynamic to head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. The inexperienced quarterback just needs time to learn and master the playbook and scheme.
We asked our 49ers Webzone contributors to predict when Lance will get his first start. Below are the responses in the order in which they were received.
Chaz Inouye
The 49ers should get off to a strong start with what looks to be an easy schedule to begin the season with
How well do the 2021 49ers stack up to the 2019 team?
Lately I have listened to some podcasts and read some tweets comparing the current San Francisco 49ers team (2021) to the 2019 team that fell just short of winning the Super Bowl. I find the comparison interesting. And since many people quickly assume the 2021 49ers are not as good as the 2019 team, I wanted to take a look for myself. So as we prepare for the team to report on Tuesday, let's compare the two teams, position by position. For the purpose of this very scientific experiment, we will assume everyone is healthy (even though that never happens). Let's start on offense. The defensive comparison is coming soon.
Offense
Quarterback:
