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
Middlekauff suggests 49ers trade 1st-round pick for Matthew Stafford
By David Bonilla
Jan 22, 2021
It seems like everyone is trying to find a way to replace Jimmy Garoppolo. While the San Francisco 49ers quarterback has proven to be a difference-maker on the football field with a regular-season record of 24-8 as a starter, he has missed most of the past three seasons due to injuries.
There has been a lot of speculation surrounding the possibility of acquiring Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. A lot. Of course, it's all just traffic-generating chatter at this point as Watson has not requested a trade, and the Texans have not said they would be willing to ship off their star player.
Popular podcast host John Middlekauff, a former NFL scout, joined KNBR this week and suggested another quarterback for the 49ers to target in a trade, should the team move
49ers will receive two 3rd-round picks after Jets hire Robert Saleh, could earn one more
By David Bonilla
Jan 15, 2021
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is headed to the New York Jets. He's taking 49ers assistant coach Mike LaFleur with him to be his offensive coordinator. That's a significant loss for head coach Kyle Shanahan.
There are a couple of silver linings for the 49ers. One, Shanahan feels the team has Saleh's replacement in place. Reports state that the team plans to promote linebackers coach DeMeco Ryans to replace Saleh as defensive
Divisional Round Predictions: Packers, Saints advance in the NFC
By Site Staff
Jan 15, 2021
Each week, 49ers Webzone fans predict weekly game-winners within our annual NFL Pick 'em contest. The upcoming schedule of games features eight opponents facing off in four Divisional Round matchups.
Of all the upcoming game predictions, the most lopsided result comes from Saturday's matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the Green Bay Packers. Voting has 97 percent of fans believing the Packers will earn the victory.
When it comes to the predictions, the closest matchup is between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, with 53 percent selecting the Saints to win the game.
Update: As of Saturday morning, the Buccaneers have moved ahead of the Saints as
