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 trade up to make Ohio State RB Trey Sermon a 3rd-round draft pick
By David Bonilla
Apr 30, 2021
The San Francisco 49ers selected Ohio State running back Trey Sermon with the 25th pick (No. 88 overall) in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
The 49ers traded picks Nos. 117 and 121 to the Los Angeles Rams to acquire this selection.
Sermon carried the football 116 times for 870 yards with four rushing touchdowns while adding 12 receptions for 95 yards through eight games as a senior in 2020, per Sports Reference. The running back's best statistical season came in 2018 when he rushed for 947 yards and 13 touchdowns on 164 carries.
Sermon had 2,946 rushing yards on 455 attempts with 26 rushing touchdowns through his four collegiate
49ers make Notre Dame OL Aaron Banks a 2nd-round draft pick after trading back
By David Bonilla
Apr 30, 2021
After trading back from the No. 43 overall pick, the San Francisco 49ers selected Notre Dame offensive lineman Aaron Banks with the 16th pick (No. 48 overall) in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
San Francisco sent the No. 43 overall pick and a seventh-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for No. 48 overall and a fourth-round pick (No. 121).
SF trades pick No. 43 and a 7th-round pick to Las Vegas for No. 48 and a fourth-round pick (121). https://t.co/P62eVKMEpt— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
49ers make Michigan CB Ambry Thomas a 3rd-round draft pick
By David Bonilla
Apr 30, 2021
The San Francisco 49ers selected Michigan cornerback Ambry Thomas with the 39th pick (No. 102 overall) in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
The 49ers acquired this compensatory selection after former defensive coordinator Robert Saleh became the new head coach of the New York Jets. It was awarded as part of the NFL's minority-hiring program.
Thomas registered 38 tackles, three tackles for a loss, three passes defensed, and three interceptions through 12 games as a junior in 2019, per Sports Reference. He has recorded 54 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, three passes defensed, four interceptions, and a forced fumble through his three collegiate seasons. The defender
49ers make Western Michigan OT Jaylon Moore a 5th-round draft pick
By David Bonilla
May 1, 2021
The San Francisco 49ers selected Western Michigan offensive tackle Jaylon Moore with the 11th pick (No. 155 overall) in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
San Francisco signed left tackle Trent Williams to a long-term contract in March, and today, officially exercised the fifth-year option of right tackle Mike McGlinchey.
Making it happen in the Draft room and on TV 😏 @JohnLynch49ers & Ethan Waugh, Director of College
