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
The X-Factors for the 49ers and the Cowboys in the Divisional Round
By Rohan Chakravarthi
Jan 21
The San Francisco 49ers are renewing their longtime rivalry with the Dallas Cowboys when the two sides face off on Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round, one season after the former defeated the latter in the 2021 NFC Wildcard round.
Both teams have strong offenses and defenses, which means that there will be many impactful players on both sides of the ball.
But, for now, let's eye in on the X-Factors for each team that could help determine the outcome of the game.
49ers
Offense: Brandon Aiyuk
Brandon Aiyuk has enjoyed a breakout
Key stats from the 49ers' 19-12 Divisional Round playoff win vs. the Cowboys
By Site Staff
Jan 22
The San Francisco 49ers are headed to the NFC Championship Game after a 19-12 Divisional Round playoff win over the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Below are several statistics and notes from Sunday's game, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.
With the Win...
The 49ers improved to 19-19-1 all-time against the Cowboys, including a 4-5 record in the postseason.
San Francisco has reached the Conference Championship Game for the 16th time since 1980, which is the most in the NFL, and for the 3rd time in 4 seasons.
The Niners improved to 18-7 in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
The 49ers have now won 3-consecutive playoff games against the
What Kyle Shanahan said the day after 49ers' Divisional round playoff win vs. Cowboys
By Site Staff
Jan 23
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters via a conference call on Monday, the day after the team's 19-12 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Here is everything he had to say.
Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff.
Opening comments:
"Injuries from the game: [DL] Charles Omenihu had an oblique strain, he'll be day-to-day, [RB] Christian McCaffrey, calf contusion, day-to-day, [RB] Elijah Mitchell, groin, day-to-day. Go ahead."
I understand what day-to-day means, but is
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters as the team prepares for its Divisional Round playoff matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Here is everything he had to say.
Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff.
Opening Comments:
"Alright, injuries for today. [QB] Jimmy Garoppolo will not practice. [CB] Ambry Thomas, no practice. [WR] Jauan Jennings, limited, ankle. [DL] Samson [Ebukam], limited, ankle and [DT Javon] Kinlaw, limited, knee. Go ahead."
Are T Trent Williams and DL Nick Bosa resting?
"No, they're good."
LB Dre Greenlaw had to come out of the game briefly, what was the upshot of
