Phoenix49ers 2014 Mock Draft V5.0

Phoenix49ers · 2014-03-14T01:49:16-07:00

I've updated a few things based on free agency results, made some changes based on what I think remaining needs are and what the 49ers will be prioritizing. I'm assuming that the 49ers do sign yet another cornerback such as Thurmond, bring back Brown or some other free agent player. My approach to this draft would be to keep trading down, keep acquiring latter picks or especially picks for the 2015 draft. There's enough talent in this draft that no matter where the 49ers end up, I think they'll have some good options to choose from. Keep in mind that where these guys are drafted likely won't be at that exact same spot, for example I'd expect a move from the late 2nd into the early 3rd to acquire more picks...etc. Round 1-Stephon Tuitt-DT/DE-Notre Dame-6'5", 304. I didn't think Tuitt would be available here, truthfully I'd be satisfied with either him or Hageman but Tuitt is a little more developed as a player, shows better quickness as a pass rusher, he doesn't seem to play with the same beast mode strength that Hageman shows when he is truly "on", but in that regard Hageman is somewhat inconsistent. Both of these guys show a ton of potential and I'd be happy to see either one work with Tomsula and provide some outstanding depth on the DL as well as develop to eventually replace Justin or Ray on the DL. Other than this pick, I can see the 49ers potentially trading up for Mike Evans or sitting pat and taking Verrett or Fuller at CB. Round 2-Donte Moncrief-WR-Ole Miss-6'2", 222. I like the potential that Moncrief has as a future starter and a potential replacement for Crabtree in case he does leave as a free agent within a year or two. Moncrief has outstanding size and athleticism and has shown the ability to be a major deep threat that opposing defenses have to account for. He is a tremendous leaper, a guy who can really get up for the football, a competent blocker and would add some size and bulk to the receiving corps. Round 2-Rashaad Reynolds-Oregon State-5'10", 189. There's nothing fancy about Reynolds, he has kind of gone under the radar and I know there are those who would prefer a "big" cornerback such as a Keith McGill or Stanley-Jean Baptiste but when watching Reynolds, what sticks out to me is his incredible awareness. He seems like a guy who would pick up very easily on NFL coverage schemes, particularly with the sort of defense that Fangio runs. He's not super fast or athletic but he plays very intelligently, shows some tremendous instincts and was rarely out of position. Rather than rolling the dice on a project, I look at Reynolds and see him being a solid NFL cornerback. Other than him I could see Bashaud Breeland, McGill or Marcus Roberson in this spot. Round 3-Bruce Ellington-South Carolina-5'9", 197. Ideal slot receiver. If the 49ers sign Edelman then this pick will likely change but I really like Ellington a lot, he's a tough guy, outstanding athleticism, a two sport athlete at South Carolina, he shows an exceptional ability to create separation and is able to attacks defense both in the short and deep area's of the field. I have a very good feeling about him as a prospect and he seems to have been highly underrated throughout his time at South Carolina. If he's not available, Robert Herron of Wyoming is another guy I'd be happy to see in this spot, he just ripped off a massively improved performance at his Pro Day and is back in the discussion for this area of the draft. Round 3-John Urschel-Penn State-OG/C-6'3", 313. Urschel is listed as a guard but I see him more suited to play center, making him a very good center prospect. He doesn't have the biggest bulk or longest arms but he does have very good, quick feet and agility. I do see center as the better fit for him and think he could do very well there. Considered to be one of the brightest guys in all of college football he has shown the ability to pick up offensive concepts quickly and fits the role of an ultimate hard-working/"it's all about the team" type of guy. He's been moving up recently in terms of generating interest which I think will result in him being picked earlier than expected. He did play in a pro-style offense at Penn State. Round 4-Jonathan Dowling-FS-Western Kentucky-6'3", 190. Having signed Bethea, the 49ers have allowed themselves to take a shot on just this kind of raw project. Dowling has outstanding natural size, does need to bulk up somewhat but his athletic ability alone will allow him to contribute on special teams while he learns the nuances of the safety position in the NFL. He has work to do in order to improve, shows poor technique and footwork at times, then again its likely that he hasn't received any top notch sort of coaching either. He's flashed the ability to be a very dominant safety and could develop into a reliable starter as long as a team is willing to give him the time to get up to speed. Round 4-Walt Aikens-CB-Liberty-6'1", 205. Aikens is a corner with prototypical size and athleticism. He's a prospect to develop to eventually take over on the outside in case the 49ers end up losing Culliver. He fits this defense well with his physicality, he's a dependable tackler, handles the run well and is solid in coverage. He's another guy who could work as a special teams contributor as he develops towards a starting role. Round 5-Andrew Jackson-ILB-Western Kentucky-6'1", 254. Well built thumper, grew up idolizing Ray Lewis, did not back down from higher levels of competition. Very hard-nosed linebacker who plays with confidence and bad intentions. A hard hitter that likes to set the tone for a defense. At this point in the draft, he makes for a very intriguing prospect, plus I thought it'd be cool for the 49ers to wind up with two guys from Western Kentucky, how often does that happen? Round 6-jrg's Man-crush....AKA Blaine Gabbert. Round 7-Spencer Long-OG-Nebraska-6'4", 315. This pick hasn't changed in my recent mock drafts, if Long is here, he's outstanding value, put him on the IR for a year and then bring him back as a potential replacement for Iupati next season. Round 7-Trey Millard-FB/TE-Oklahoma-6'2", 247. Another pick that has stayed consistent. I think Millard has some of the best H-back potential in the draft, outstanding performer and team leader that is as much a stereotypical "49ers" type of player as anyone else in this draft. Round 7-Jerick McKinnon-RB/QB/WR/FB/CB/FS-Georgia Southern-5'9", 209.-Super athletic freak that can be utilized as a special teams monster while he develops at....some position. He's been working out at CB and FS so its possible that his NFL future would be on the defensive side of the ball but he presents too much natural athleticism to go undrafted. He'd be a nice addition at this point in the draft.

Mar 14, 2014 at 3:38 AM

Memphis9er
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I'd be happy with this draft.

Mar 14, 2014 at 4:57 AM

Butter
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Well done Phoenix! This seems like the deal draft. With the current FA signings, I think this ismthe right approach. I love the deal of a potential replacememt to McDonald.

A few factors that I think should be considered.

1) Likely trades up. The Niners have limited roster spots. I can easily see them moving up from 30, and then also moving up a second time to the top of the 2nd.

2) 2015 picks, I completely agree. Rally good chance Baalke moves some mid-late round picks for future picks.

3) Injured players, also agree theyll continue to stash injured players

Mar 14, 2014 at 4:59 AM

Butter
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Also, I was pretty down on Herron with his near 4.5 40 at the combine. I know measurables arent eeverything, but that was slow. With his improved pro day time, does he move back into competition with Ellington (who I also like).

Mar 14, 2014 at 5:20 AM

NinerAce
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Posts: 2,557

Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:
Round 7-Spencer Long-OG-Nebraska-6'4", 315. This pick hasn't changed in my recent mock drafts, if Long is here, he's outstanding value, put him on the IR for a year and then bring him back as a potential replacement for Iupati next season.

Phoenix, would the niners be better served to draft Long in the 6th by trading up a couple of their 7th rounders? I really think we need this guy to replace Iupati. I don't want to risk some other team getting it ahead of us.

Mar 14, 2014 at 5:35 AM

60sFan
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Just don't see an OL, especially a C in the first 4 rounds. Love Moncrief. Still think there is a trade up the first to nab Kyle Fuller.

Mar 14, 2014 at 5:44 AM

communist
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Posts: 12,475

Originally posted by 60sFan:
Just don't see an OL, especially a C in the first 4 rounds. Love Moncrief. Still think there is a trade up the first to nab Kyle Fuller.

There is no Center behind Kilgore, thus I don't understand your opinion. Getting a Guard/Center-tweener on day 2 or at the beginning of day 3 would be very wise. Next man up is the way to go in the trenches.

Mar 14, 2014 at 6:00 AM

Murphys1
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I like this draft. I could see us trading away a few picks this year, though, for future picks.

Mar 14, 2014 at 6:01 AM

60sFan
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[ Edited by 60sFan on Mar 14, 2014 at 6:05 AM ]

Mar 14, 2014 at 6:05 AM

DeUh
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Posts: 4,006

Solid mock.
Love to see that finally someone else picks up my man Rashaad Reynolds. He has just terrific instincts and would fit in nicely ! Also like the Jonathan Dowling pick though i see him more as a 6th rounder.

Mar 14, 2014 at 6:05 AM

#10

60sFan
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Posts: 1,872

Originally posted by communist:
Originally posted by 60sFan:
Just don't see an OL, especially a C in the first 4 rounds. Love Moncrief. Still think there is a trade up the first to nab Kyle Fuller.
There is no Center behind Kilgore, thus I don't understand your opinion. Getting a Guard/Center-tweener on day 2 or at the beginning of day 3 would be very wise. Next man up is the way to go in the trenches.

There is Looney and so far, Snyder. That said, I think there will be viable projects lower down like, Stork, Larsen and Linsley. They will never suit up for game day anyway. Harbaugh will stick with guys who have been in the system longer or pick up a veteran free agent if Kilgore goes down.

[ Edited by 60sFan on Mar 14, 2014 at 6:08 AM ]

Mar 14, 2014 at 6:43 AM

#11

WRATHman44
Staff
Posts: 16,951

Originally posted by 60sFan:
Originally posted by communist:
Originally posted by 60sFan:
Just don't see an OL, especially a C in the first 4 rounds. Love Moncrief. Still think there is a trade up the first to nab Kyle Fuller.
There is no Center behind Kilgore, thus I don't understand your opinion. Getting a Guard/Center-tweener on day 2 or at the beginning of day 3 would be very wise. Next man up is the way to go in the trenches.

There is Looney and so far, Snyder. That said, I think there will be viable projects lower down like, Stork, Larsen and Linsley. They will never suit up for game day anyway. Harbaugh will stick with guys who have been in the system longer or pick up a veteran free agent if Kilgore goes down.

Don't forget Seymour (sp?). Honestly, I think it would be pretty tough for a rookie OL to make this team.

Mar 14, 2014 at 6:45 AM

#12

MC9BEAT
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Posts: 1,173

Nice draft. I have seen Tuitt drop out of the 1st round in recent mocks because of injury. Is he back in 1st round contention or could we get him around pick 36-40?

Mar 14, 2014 at 6:54 AM

#13

RishikeshA
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Posts: 12,720

Well thought out draft Phoenix, I have the same opinion as you with the #1 pick, Tuitt or Hageman. There are so many good receivers in this draft, Ellington is starting to show up on 49er mocks. He has that toughness the coaching staff looks for.

Mar 14, 2014 at 6:55 AM

#14

dtg_9er
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Posts: 33,204

OK...you have me scurrying off to research again! LOL! Good use of picks for needs and, while I know most of these guys by reading, I'll have to go to youtube for a bit.

Edit: one thing I like about your list is that they all seem to be a bit higher than many anticipate them going, so they will be there for the niners. When mocks always have the guy in the projected round, and you realize the niners are drafting 30th...not so good. So I think your mock is the most realistic I've seen.

[ Edited by dtg_9er on Mar 14, 2014 at 6:59 AM ]