TexasNiner Pre-Combine Draft

1 Kevin White WR West Virginia - Very productive college WR with good size and projected sub 4.5 speed. Good combine numbers could really make his stock jump. Has all the attributes to succeed as an NFL WR and has been compared with Larry Fitzgerald for his size/speed/athleticism combination. He may not be a burner who will beat everyone deep, but if he's even with the defender, he has shown he is likely to be the one to come down with the ball.

2 Jalen Collins CB LSU - Excellent CB prospect from a school with a history for producing quality DBs. Has the size/speed combo to cover both bigger and/or faster receivers in the NFL. A great pick up to solidify our CB position going forward and to add some size to match up with bigger divisional receivers.

3 Arie Kouandjio OG Alabama - Excellent run blocker with the size, strength and athleticism to play early and often at the next level. If he's gone by round 3, other options include Florida State's Josue Matias or Tre Jackson or Jeremiah Poutasi from Utah.

4 Henry Anderson DE Stanford - Quality performer on and off the field who looks like a true 3-4 DE in the NFL. Gets good pressure on the QB and did nothing to hurt himself at the Senior Bowl.

4 Clive Walford TE Miami - Solid TE prospect with good hands, size and improving blocking skills. Questions about his speed and athleticism at the next level, but could be a valuable contributor if not a starter at TE.

5 Josh Robinson RB Mississippi State - Small, quick RB with good receiving skills who had a breakout year. Could go a round higher, but looks like he would be an excellent change of pace back to a workhorse like Gore or Hyde.

6 Terry Williams NT East Carolina- Late round, true NT prospect. Could be a great fit and would have the luxury of not needed to play a ton right away while he learns and develops.

7 Geneo Grissom OLB Oklahoma - Relatively new to OLB, but he adapted to the position change well and put good pressure on the QB. However a late season injury and a less than impressive Senior Bowl performance likely has his draft stock falling.

7 Andre Debose KR/WR Florida- Under utilized speedy WR who due to injuries and scheme changes didn't play much in college but who will have a shot to stick in
the NFL as a kick returner.


A couple of notes:

I assumed a 4th and 7th round comp pick. That seems to be the general consensus at this point.

Obviously this is early and the next few weeks of the combine/interviews/individual workouts etc..., will change many players' draft status. As such, players availability in various rounds are based on a composite of general rankings, but I'm fully aware things may change. I didn't take a 1st round player in the 5th, but if reputable source(s) had a player potentially available in say the 6th or 7th, I may have slotted him there even if others say he could be a 4th or 5th rounder.

As we all know, when the actual draft rolls around players who were "sure things" to go in the first couple days can go undrafted and scores of other players go a couple rounds or more higher or lower than projected.

With that in mind, please focus on the players themselves and/or the positions of need rather than "X won't be available in Y round". It's too early to predict any of that particularly well, so it's entirely possible a couple of these players could switch rounds or someone may shoot up the boards and we will know after the combine that an alternative is needed. In almost every case there are several other similar prospects available at around the same time.

Also, this isn't necessarily a draft based on which players I personally like best, but what I as I see as good fits/values for our team and possible Baalke targets.

Nice, I think this is the 1st time someone took Josh Robinson. Lacks elite top end speed but man he is fun to watch.

- The Human Bowling Ball -

to quote hunter pence: yes! yes! yes!


love it.

Originally posted by DeUh:
Nice, I think this is the 1st time someone took Josh Robinson. Lacks elite top end speed but man he is fun to watch.

- The Human Bowling Ball -

I think he could be a better fit for us than the true speedy backs we have tried recently like LMJ. He's quicker and a better receiver than Gore/Hyde, but is more of a true RB than just a speed guy. Could open up some options with the screen game and short RB passes that we didn't utilize at all under Harbs/Roman.

Best mock I've seen so far.

Love the first four picks. Like the others a lot too, especially Terry Williams. I would be 100% behind this draft.

Originally posted by theninermaniac:
Best mock I've seen so far.

Love the first four picks. Like the others a lot too, especially Terry Williams. I would be 100% behind this draft.

Thanks man. Probably makes too much sense for it to be anything close to a real Baalke draft. After all, I didn't take anyone 2 rounds+ higher than anyone else in the country had him rated while a slew of big name, higher ranked prospects at the position are still available...........but a man can dream can't he?

Thanks for taking a shot. Here is what I think when looking at the list.

White is going to be a top 10 lock. The team would have to move up.

Collins is going to go earlier than expected. I am thinking before us in the second.

Kouandjio should be on the board in the third when we are on the clock.

Anderson is going to emerge as a top 100 pick. Just too good for 3-4 teams to pass. Would be shocked if he is there with our fourth rounder

Would drop over in shock if Walford is outside the top 75 picks. He probably is gone by the late 2nd round.

Robinson could go all over the place. Combines and workouts will be huge.

Williams is so talented, and often in trouble. Suspended three times in three years. Prior arrest. Will be off a ton of teams boards.

I would be happy with this. Good mock Draft!!!!!!

Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Thanks for taking a shot. Here is what I think when looking at the list.

White is going to be a top 10 lock. The team would have to move up.

Collins is going to go earlier than expected. I am thinking before us in the second.

Kouandjio should be on the board in the third when we are on the clock.

Anderson is going to emerge as a top 100 pick. Just too good for 3-4 teams to pass. Would be shocked if he is there with our fourth rounder

Would drop over in shock if Walford is outside the top 75 picks. He probably is gone by the late 2nd round.

Robinson could go all over the place. Combines and workouts will be huge.

Williams is so talented, and often in trouble. Suspended three times in three years. Prior arrest. Will be off a ton of teams boards.

Thanks for your feedback. As I said in original post, I'm not over concerned with "player X won't be available in Y round." Especially at this point in the game.

You are now very high on White, most other places have him as a top 10-20ish pick. (He's at 15 and 18 on two of the sites I like best). To me, that means at 15 he is a possibility (regardless of if he falls a few spots or we move up a couple), or another top 10 level WR (like Cooper or Parker) likely falls to us ala Crabtree, if he is taken in the top 10.

Similarly, if Collins is gone (so far I've seen him rated about 40-50ish pick), another CB may fall. Or I could even see us going CB in the first round if Trae Waynes falls (I've seen some projections with him not going until the mid first) and then take a WR like DGB, Strong, or D Smith in the second.

Or we could easily trade up into the late first/early second from our current second rounder for the right player to secure some WR/CB combo in the first couple rounds.

The main point being those are two key areas of need and there look to be some high level players available within the first couple rounds where we could address both positions.

Likewise, if Anderson rises, I have no problem taking him in the 3rd and going OG with one of about a half dozen 3rd/4th round rated guards in the 4th. The 4th/5th round TE/RB options could switch up as well depending on availability. If Walford is gone (still seeing him ranked between 100-120 as often as anywhere else, but that could change), we could go Robinson or a comparable back with our late 4th rounder and see which TE slips to the 5th.

And while Williams (and pretty much all players with significant off field issues) may be off the board for many teams, and probably should be in the new era of the NFL's personal conduct scrutiny, I don't believe Baalke and Co. will pass on a talent/value combination like that if it presents itself late at a position of need. If they think they can make a player work, they have shown a willingness to make the pick regardless of other issues like off field stuff, injuries, switching positions or other red flags that would keep some teams away.

It's WAY too early to say with any level of certainty that a player isn't likely to be available because they are going to go 6-10 spots sooner or in the case of later round picks a round earlier or later. Their availability could have almost nothing to do with their own performance or evaluation, but rather various players around them could rise or fall forcing them up or down the list just as a matter of attrition. Some of that will clear up post combine, but the reality is that if a player is projected in the basic vicinity of a pick (within say half a round for anything other than a first round pick), they are a possible option.

And for me, that's all this is, looking at what players might be available and seeing how we can fill our needs. We all know Baalke is probably going to go off the board and is unlikely to draft anyone we expect or that we or any "experts" have ranked as probable players at those picks, so we might as well be optimistic about our options. The draft is always so wacky that way with players going much higher or lower than expected, that to me, worrying about someone going half a round earlier or later when we are still pre-combine is just an exercise in futility.

Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Thanks for taking a shot. Here is what I think when looking at the list.

White is going to be a top 10 lock. The team would have to move up.

Collins is going to go earlier than expected. I am thinking before us in the second.

Kouandjio should be on the board in the third when we are on the clock.

Anderson is going to emerge as a top 100 pick. Just too good for 3-4 teams to pass. Would be shocked if he is there with our fourth rounder

Would drop over in shock if Walford is outside the top 75 picks. He probably is gone by the late 2nd round.

Robinson could go all over the place. Combines and workouts will be huge.

Williams is so talented, and often in trouble. Suspended three times in three years. Prior arrest. Will be off a ton of teams boards.

Another Lynch, though certainly a bigger head-case.

@TexasNiner:
glad to see you again Seldom seen here, iirc.
ontopic: you've stated you got two favorite sites, would you mind to tell me the names?

Originally posted by TexasNiner:
1 Kevin White WR West Virginia - Very productive college WR with good size and projected sub 4.5 speed. Good combine numbers could really make his stock jump. Has all the attributes to succeed as an NFL WR and has been compared with Larry Fitzgerald for his size/speed/athleticism combination. He may not be a burner who will beat everyone deep, but if he's even with the defender, he has shown he is likely to be the one to come down with the ball.

2 Jalen Collins CB LSU - Excellent CB prospect from a school with a history for producing quality DBs. Has the size/speed combo to cover both bigger and/or faster receivers in the NFL. A great pick up to solidify our CB position going forward and to add some size to match up with bigger divisional receivers.

3 Arie Kouandjio OG Alabama - Excellent run blocker with the size, strength and athleticism to play early and often at the next level. If he's gone by round 3, other options include Florida State's Josue Matias or Tre Jackson or Jeremiah Poutasi from Utah.

4 Henry Anderson DE Stanford - Quality performer on and off the field who looks like a true 3-4 DE in the NFL. Gets good pressure on the QB and did nothing to hurt himself at the Senior Bowl.

4 Clive Walford TE Miami - Solid TE prospect with good hands, size and improving blocking skills. Questions about his speed and athleticism at the next level, but could be a valuable contributor if not a starter at TE.

5 Josh Robinson RB Mississippi State - Small, quick RB with good receiving skills who had a breakout year. Could go a round higher, but looks like he would be an excellent change of pace back to a workhorse like Gore or Hyde.

6 Terry Williams NT East Carolina- Late round, true NT prospect. Could be a great fit and would have the luxury of not needed to play a ton right away while he learns and develops.

7 Geneo Grissom OLB Oklahoma - Relatively new to OLB, but he adapted to the position change well and put good pressure on the QB. However a late season injury and a less than impressive Senior Bowl performance likely has his draft stock falling.

7 Andre Debose KR/WR Florida- Under utilized speedy WR who due to injuries and scheme changes didn't play much in college but who will have a shot to stick in
the NFL as a kick returner.


A couple of notes:

I assumed a 4th and 7th round comp pick. That seems to be the general consensus at this point.

Obviously this is early and the next few weeks of the combine/interviews/individual workouts etc..., will change many players' draft status. As such, players availability in various rounds are based on a composite of general rankings, but I'm fully aware things may change. I didn't take a 1st round player in the 5th, but if reputable source(s) had a player potentially available in say the 6th or 7th, I may have slotted him there even if others say he could be a 4th or 5th rounder.

As we all know, when the actual draft rolls around players who were "sure things" to go in the first couple days can go undrafted and scores of other players go a couple rounds or more higher or lower than projected.

With that in mind, please focus on the players themselves and/or the positions of need rather than "X won't be available in Y round". It's too early to predict any of that particularly well, so it's entirely possible a couple of these players could switch rounds or someone may shoot up the boards and we will know after the combine that an alternative is needed. In almost every case there are several other similar prospects available at around the same time.

Also, this isn't necessarily a draft based on which players I personally like best, but what I as I see as good fits/values for our team and possible Baalke targets.

Nice mock....couple of questions.

Do you believe that CB is a top priority? I personally believe that we will resign Culliver or Cox and a possible FA (maybe even resign Cook on the cheap). Collins has a lot of what your looking for in a CB in size/speed and due to the weak draft class (for CB) I wouldn't be surprised to see him go higher than our pick in the 2nd. Baalke always finds value for this position, I don't see the need to grab one in the 2nd (drafted 3 + Ward last year) unless we don't resign any Cbs.

not sure Walford makes it to the 4th? ( some have him as the #1 TE in a weak class).

Overall I like the positions you targeted in each rd (except CB in 2nd) I'm on the White bandwagon as well, I grabbed him 1st in my mock I would also like SF to target a speedy WR/RB a little earlier in the draft as well....like you said it's super early in the process.

Originally posted by communist:
Another Lynch, though certainly a bigger head-case.

@TexasNiner:
glad to see you again Seldom seen here, iirc.
ontopic: you've stated you got two favorite sites, would you mind to tell me the names?

Well, I tend to only come out this time of year. It's probably been a while. I lurk though.

My favorite all around is probably Drafttek. I like the way they chart team's positional needs and break down positional rankings. They are also pretty thorough about having players ranked at multiple positions if they can fill different rolls.


I also like Walterfootball a lot for analysis. Less so for their rankings, but they have good reports on most players and give a better feel for the overall area in which players may go.

I'll generally compare the feel I get from there with a few other ranking/mock sites (including some stuff from here) to see what the outliers are compared to the general consensus.

Originally posted by NYniner85:
Nice mock....couple of questions.

Do you believe that CB is a top priority? I personally believe that we will resign Culliver or Cox and a possible FA (maybe even resign Cook on the cheap). Collins has a lot of what your looking for in a CB in size/speed and due to the weak draft class (for CB) I wouldn't be surprised to see him go higher than our pick in the 2nd. Baalke always finds value for this position, I don't see the need to grab one in the 2nd (drafted 3 + Ward last year) unless we don't resign any Cbs.

not sure Walford makes it to the 4th? ( some have him as the #1 TE in a weak class).

Overall I like the positions you targeted in each rd (except CB in 2nd) I'm on the White bandwagon as well, I grabbed him 1st in my mock I would also like SF to target a speedy WR/RB a little earlier in the draft as well....like you said it's super early in the process.

I do think CB is a priority because we need stability in our secondary. We have changed it almost completely over the last few years and once again have no assurances either or both of our starting CBs are coming back. And even if they do, we are ok at that position at best, we need an upgrade and more importantly we need someone in place who isn't going anywhere for a while. Rotating solid vets year in and year out isn't going to keep cutting it. The best defenses are good not just because of their talent, but because they learn to play together over the course of time. Even if the caliber of player is roughly equivalent, something is lost if you are making constant changes.

Walford may be gone by then. I've seen him all over the place rankings wise. If he's gone, that's fine. There are a few 4th/5th round TEs that could be good options and some projected earlier are likely to fall. I'm not in love with him, wouldn't reach for him. If he's there, great, if not there are other options. Again, it's early in the process. If he does go as early as the 2nd, I would pass.

Originally posted by TexasNiner:

Originally posted by NYniner85:
Nice mock....couple of questions.

Do you believe that CB is a top priority? I personally believe that we will resign Culliver or Cox and a possible FA (maybe even resign Cook on the cheap). Collins has a lot of what your looking for in a CB in size/speed and due to the weak draft class (for CB) I wouldn't be surprised to see him go higher than our pick in the 2nd. Baalke always finds value for this position, I don't see the need to grab one in the 2nd (drafted 3 + Ward last year) unless we don't resign any Cbs.

not sure Walford makes it to the 4th? ( some have him as the #1 TE in a weak class).

Overall I like the positions you targeted in each rd (except CB in 2nd) I'm on the White bandwagon as well, I grabbed him 1st in my mock I would also like SF to target a speedy WR/RB a little earlier in the draft as well....like you said it's super early in the process.

I do think CB is a priority because we need stability in our secondary. We have changed it almost completely over the last few years and once again have no assurances either or both of our starting CBs are coming back. And even if they do, we are ok at that position at best, we need an upgrade and more importantly we need someone in place who isn't going anywhere for a while. Rotating solid vets year in and year out isn't going to keep cutting it. The best defenses are good not just because of their talent, but because they learn to play together over the course of time. Even if the caliber of player is roughly equivalent, something is lost if you are making constant changes.

Walford may be gone by then. I've seen him all over the place rankings wise. If he's gone, that's fine. There are a few 4th/5th round TEs that could be good options and some projected earlier are likely to fall. I'm not in love with him, wouldn't reach for him. If he's there, great, if not there are other options. Again, it's early in the process. If he does go as early as the 2nd, I would pass.

I guess it will depend on FA, we did draft 3 CBs + ward last year (he will be the nickle again). SF was 7th against the pass this past season without their #1 out most of the year and I think Cully or Cox will resign....Baalke has also shown that he values the front 7 over CB which he has been able to find good value throughout the draft.

DJ-4th
Cully-3rd
Brown-5th
Cooper-7th
Brock-UDFA

as far as TE this class is so weak and I guess I just have faith in VD (contract year might work his butt off) that I don't see the need to grab one until late or at all.

Originally posted by NYniner85:
I guess it will depend on FA, we did draft 3 CBs + ward last year (he will be the nickle again). SF was 7th against the pass this past season without their #1 out most of the year and I think Cully or Cox will resign....Baalke has also shown that he values the front 7 over CB which he has been able to find good value throughout the draft.

DJ-4th
Cully-3rd
Brown-5th
Cooper-7th
Brock-UDFA

as far as TE this class is so weak and I guess I just have faith in VD (contract year might work his butt off) that I don't see the need to grab one until late or at all.

Yeah, that's kind of my point at CB. We keep going with late draft picks and value FAs. At some point we need to invest in that position. We certainly don't seem willing to pay for it in FA, so a high draft pick seems reasonable. Whether it is performance, injury or both, we can't keep the same starting CBs on the field two years in a row. To me, finding quality and stability at the position would make a gigantic difference for our defense.

I agree about the TE class in general, which is why a mid/late pick is about what I think would be worth it for the right talent. For example, if Walford (who some have ranked higher) is still around in the 4th. Otherwise a 5th or later pick on a blocking/developmental TE is probable. We got very thin very quick at TE last year. We could use another body in the mix.