MadDog49er Draft Analysis for the Class of 2017

Originally posted by rivercity:

Comparing Lynch draft and MadDog's by filling of positions and quality. Looking at it through this lens, I give the edge to Lynch, 6-3 with 2 ties. Of course you can't judge a draft for several years, but that doesn't stop us from trying.

DE: Thomas/Thomas even (duh)

ILB: Foster/Blair Brown Lynch (not close)

CB: Witherspoon/Kazee Lynch

QB: Beathard/ none Lynch

RB: J Williams/ none Lynch

TE: Kittle/Butt Lynch (no ACL's!

WR: Taylor/Kupp MadDog (not close)

NT: D Jones/none Lynch

S: Colbert/Woods MadDog (woods could be great)

OL: none/Lamp/Tom MadDog

OLB: Taumoepenu/Adams even (I guess, hard to know)

This is a very interesting way to look at it.

MD - does the "New England" approach to scouting change how we need to look at who is being picked and where?

(Just saying)

1) Maybe Wu really did know that he had talented players on the squad

2) Maybe Wu really wasn't all that bias after all

3) Time will tell but as of right now, the NFL seems to agree

If it doesn't apply, let it fly.

P.s Great draft from an intelligent GM and Head coach. Its a good start. I voted A- those extra draft picks made it a great draft and got their guys... btw

http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/news/nfl-draft-picks-2017-most-selections-college-alabama-ohio-state-michigan-clemson/mrrpdzrcnust1p00owp6453ek

"Pete Carroll calls on former nemesis Harbaugh: 'He's a great coach"
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2017/04/29/michigan-wolverines-football-jim-harbaugh-pete-carroll-seattle-seahawks-nfl-draft/101062666/

"NFL Draft 2017: Michigan edges Alabama for most draft picks by school"

True story.

Originally posted by MadDog49er:
Well, it comes and goes so quickly, that I hope we all had a chance to enjoy the weekend full of fun and drama. With a new administration comes new hope, and new players to build a future. Here is what I saw from the Niners this weekend in my draft analysis.

To preface, I do not evaluate anything outside of the picks themselves. I do not add or subtract value for the volume of picks, or lack of volume, good trades or poor trades along the way, or the pickup of unrestricted free agents. Others may calculate those factors into a final grade. I simply analyze each pick to see the quality of the selection as a solid player, and if it is a solid fit for the team.

Here is my evaluation of each pick and then my list of selections while the team was on the clock:

Round 1-
Solomon Thomas- Thomas was the best player on my board when the Niners were on the clock. He is a tremendous football player, and has terrific upside. Fast, strong, good inside and out, smooth, and with excellent character. This is the kind of player a team can build around. I envision the team playing him outside on base downs and shift him inside on passing downs. Just what the doctor ordered in run defense, where we stunk last year. He is outstanding against the run. Not a burner around the edge, but is not a sloth as well. Tends to go straight at OTs than bend around the corner. A nightmare for interior OL to handle. Excellent pick.

Round 1-
Reuben Foster- Easily a top ten talent (for me a top 5 talent) if all factors outside of the football field are considered. Fast, tough, smooth, and solid across the board in all facets of defense (run, pass defense, pass rush). No problem covering RBs. Plays well through trash. Has no problem hitting people. Just a complete football player....on the field. The red flags come off the field, and there are numerous. Getting kicked out of the combine, to my knowledge, has never happened before, and showed a lack of self-restraint/maturity. Failing a urine test shows a complete lack of foresight, and seriousness of the moment. This is your job interview, and you failed in multiple ways. Self-admittedly poor at the whiteboard, and low Wonderlic score of 9 is another red flag for the complexities of defensive systems he will run with in the future. So, I ask myself, most MLBs are team captains and running the huddle. Is this the guy I want doing that? Hell no. If he is just a guy as an OLB, then I have better sentiments toward the pick. No one issue is a complete disaster, but the composite accumulation of all these factors tell me that he is not a clean player. And, that is the reason he sunk to the bottom of the first round. First round guys, regardless of talent, have to have a clean sheet. Call me not a fan of this pick, since there were a LOT of talented guys out there with clean sheets in front of them.

Round 3-
Ahkello Witherspoon- One of the more physically gifted CBs in the draft (his SPARQ score was nearly 95%), a long limbed, tall (over 6'2 1/2") is a nice match for what the Niners want to do on defense. Witherspoon improved greatly from two years ago to last year to this year. His completion allowed percentage continues to drop. Thin, but runs very well. Not a slot guy (he will be on the edge), there is a lot to like with this pick. Witherspoon was fourth best on my board at the time of this pick, so count me a fan.I think he can step in and compete right away for a starting position.

Round 3-
CJ Beathard- The ghost of Trent Baalke roared it's head and made an initial, head-scratching appearance with this selection at 104 overall. What in the world was the brass thinking? Beathard was absolutely brutal in multiple games this year (his final college game had a 7 for 23, 55 yards, and 3 INTs line). Yes, he was down some targets this year. Yes, he played some good teams and defenses. But, this is not a guy you are building a franchise around. He is not Cousins. So, why use a third rounder on a backup QB? I have no idea. To me, a complete disaster.

Round 4-
Joe Williams- I believe I had a higher grade than most on Williams. He was my number 9 RB in this draft, and if you watch him on film, you will see one fast cat that can break big plays. I don't see the full versatility as some other backs who have a more, well-rounded game, but Williams overall was a quality selection if you are looking at RB, and ignoring anything off the field. Williams has some baggage in his past, including the death of his sister, that caused him to quit football for a couple games at the beginning of this year. When he came back, he was a force. The production per game was pretty remarkable at over 150 yards/.game. But, quitting football should be a red flag because he has already done it once. What if he falls into another funk? The team took a risk here, something I wouldn't have minded if it were in the 6th round. To me, this is way too early a selection due to the risk of another departure. We already traveled down that road with Anthony Davis before.

Round 5-
George Kittle- I have nothing but good things to say about Kittle. A complete tight end who can block inline or line up in the slot, Kittle was the second best tight end on my board at this pick, and fourth or fifth best overall. Under-used and underappreciated at Iowa, he showed well at the combine as a smooth athlete. SPARQ score of 97% percentile shows a stud athlete. Bright, hard-working, cares about football. Good size at about 6'4", 250. This was a very strong pick.

Round 5-
Trent Taylor- A really bad pick in 2017, but possibly much better pick in 2018, if Cousins signs with the team. Taylor is a tiny, slot WR, who posted more catches in big boy college football than anyone else. 136 catches is crazy. Now, you are getting very little to nothing after the catch, and you better have an accurate QB because his catch radius is tiny (hence the reference to Cousin). Taylor can return punts as well. To me, a bit rich for the 5th round, but a solid possession receiver for a hyper accurate QB.

Round 6-
DJ Jones- A solid interior rush defender for Ole Miss, Jones is a NT, which will allow him to compete right away to get in the DL rotation. Good productivity this year and last (he was probably better last year since Nkemdiche was next to him taking a lot of OL attention). You are not getting much up the field action. More of a classic toilet--clogging NT. Numerous teams expressed interest in him. I had him substantially lower down my board. Short arms and short height (less than 6'1"), at 320 pounds he is a classic fire hydrant NT. Tepid enthusiasm from me.

Round 6-
Pita Taumoepenu- Many 49ers fans wanted the team to get an edge rusher in the draft. Well, here he is, because this is Pita's one true talent on the field. Had a good 2016 year, even though he was spotty in starting assignments. Pita started only 7 games in his career at Utah, so this is not a guy with a lot of experience. 9 sacks in 12 games last year, turned in a nice Pro Day workout which included a fast, sub 7.00 cone time, and 10 yard split at 1.62, which is very good. At 6'1", 240, he has short area quickness. But, he is one dimensional. Super raw. Only started playing football when he moved from Tonga at 17. I understand the team is filling out the roster with positions of need, but I just don't see this guy as anything more than a core special-teamer. So many better players on the board at the time.

Round 7-
Adrian Colbert- Free safety, graduate transfer from Texas to Miami who sat out 2015 and played 7 games in 2016. What do I say about a 7th rounder? Can he make the roster? I don't think so at safety. Could he develop on the practice squad? Maybe. Colbert is fast. He ran a sub 4.50 at his Pro- Day I just look at the roster of undrafted free agents and think that forty of these would have been better picks. I don't get the pick. Nothing excites me watching his game film. They must see something they like.

Mark me down for a draft grade of B-. The best picks of Thomas, Witherspoon, Kittle give hope. All three are solid pros, who will be a part of helping the team. All three should start in the next year at some point. Foster is the wild card. If he keeps clean, then this draft could have solid potential to be a cornerstone in rebuilding the team for the future.

My picks when the team was on the clock:
1. Solomon Thomas-DE
1A. Forrest Lamp-G
3. Cooper Kupp- WR
3A. Blair Brown- LB
4. Jake Butt- TE
5.Damontae Kazee- CB
5A.Xavier Woods- FS
6.Bucky Hodges- TE
6A.Keion Adams- LB
7. Cameron Tom- C

Quick comment on my picks- We agreed with Thomas pick.

Lamp was an unexpected drop in this draft, and that is OK with me. I perceive him to be equal with Zach Martin, and if that is the case, he is going to the Pro-Bowl. I was originally targeting Evan Engram, but he was snatched up at 23 by the Giants.

Nobody has been able to cover Cooper Kupp this year, either in the regular season, or at the Senior Bowl. He is the best route runner in this draft, and will make his mark in the slot.

Blair Brown is a stud. I think he is this year's version of Jatavis Brown (no relation). Ignored because of height and being in the MAC, he simply kicks a$$ on the field. Love watching him play. Check out the Tennessee game where he and Basham deflate the Tennessee offense.

Jake Butt was one of the best TE's in this draft before injury. I see him as this year's Jason Witten. He simply finds ways to get open on the field. No problem taking a red-shirt year if needed.

Kazee is the back to back Defensive Player of the Year for the MWC. He then came to the Senior Bowl and looked tremendous. Short, but the heart of a lion. Love the kid.

Woods was one of the few single-high FS in this draft. Small schooler, but good athlete and solid production. Underrated for sure. Not sure why he was on the board this late.

Kept waiting for teams to select Bucky Hodges, and finally thought it was the time in the 6th. Instant red zone threat, long and lean split out wide. Gives very little in blocking. Can be the emergency third string QB.

Adams is a hyper/explosive edge for Western Michigan. Flies around the field, has a wicked spin move. Really exciting high energy prospect.

Finally, Tom is a four year starter with very good athleticism (sub 5.0 time) and leadership. Can pull easily.

In wrapping up, I wanted to say thanks to everyone who makes this board special leading into and through the draft. From the genius known as Phoenix, to the equally amazing, but too busy to share his brilliance often enough, On the Clock; the Hall of Famers, the heavy contributors (sorry for not listing all of you) who breathe life into this board, and even the newbies who keep us sharp by not accepting a sloppy evaluation because of history/street cred on the board: Thanks for a great run this draft season. It is an honor to join you in this journey together.

I can honestly say that I hope I am wrong on every low evaluation I placed on a Niners' player, because in the end, we hope they all become stars, and we get this mess corrected.

Cheers to all. Now, feel free to hammer my opinions. I am stretching

I was going to write a scathing and sarcastic response but then I decided it was better to just say, it wouldn't matter if Bellichick or Elway where making our picks, you would find something to complain about! No one can know how these players will mesh and workout until they actually start playing NFL Games! I hope you are wrong in your assessments and I respectfully agree to disagree with you! Oh and by the way The Buffalo Bills have numerous openings in their Player Personnel Department as they just fired their GM and Personnel Staff, I think you should apply as they would benefit from your vast experience and knowledge!

Originally posted by JBrack:

Originally posted by AB81Rules:

No disrespect but saying Williams quit because of his sisters death is a red flag is a bit harsh IMO.

Yeah that rubbed me wrong too. I didn't care for that judgmental comment. I actually saw a special on that and he could just never get over the fact that it wasn't his fault. He thought he could have done more somehow. She was misdiagnosed at the hospital as being severely dehydrated. She was actually having heart attacks and later died. Meanwhile he is becoming a success and all he can think about is his sister and he starts to feel guilty about his success. He finally learned how to cope and accept the fact it wasn't his fault and thats what healed him and troubled him. Very touching story!

Mad dog is not personally judging him. We can sympathize with his tragedy, and still admit that this could interfere with his work life.

10 years later after her death and his life is still in shambles, stolen credit cards, quitting on the team... the 49ers have to invest a lot in him.


It's fair to call this a red flag. NFL players are paid a ton, because their job is tough. Emotional Health is more concerning then physical health sometimes.

Thanks for your work MadDog.

It will be interesting how these picks turn out moving forward. We see it every year that some people excel and others do not, regardless of the level of excitement we fans have for the individual picks. Time will tell.

I am also interested to see how current players adapt (or not) to the new coaching and to the new offensive and defensive systems.

Enjoy your day.

Originally posted by Wu-5Rings:

(Just saying)

1) Maybe Wu really did know that he had talented players on the squad

2) Maybe Wu really wasn't all that bias after all

3) Time will tell but as of right now, the NFL seems to agree

If it doesn't apply, let it fly.

P.s Great draft from an intelligent GM and Head coach. Its a good start. I voted A- those extra draft picks made it a great draft and got their guys... btw

http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/news/nfl-draft-picks-2017-most-selections-college-alabama-ohio-state-michigan-clemson/mrrpdzrcnust1p00owp6453ek

"Pete Carroll calls on former nemesis Harbaugh: 'He's a great coach"
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2017/04/29/michigan-wolverines-football-jim-harbaugh-pete-carroll-seattle-seahawks-nfl-draft/101062666/

"NFL Draft 2017: Michigan edges Alabama for most draft picks by school"

True story.

Maybe Brady Hoke was a better recruiter than everyone thought?

Originally posted by flynhayn15:

Originally posted by Wu-5Rings:

(Just saying)

1) Maybe Wu really did know that he had talented players on the squad

2) Maybe Wu really wasn't all that bias after all

3) Time will tell but as of right now, the NFL seems to agree

If it doesn't apply, let it fly.

P.s Great draft from an intelligent GM and Head coach. Its a good start. I voted A- those extra draft picks made it a great draft and got their guys... btw

http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/news/nfl-draft-picks-2017-most-selections-college-alabama-ohio-state-michigan-clemson/mrrpdzrcnust1p00owp6453ek

"Pete Carroll calls on former nemesis Harbaugh: 'He's a great coach"
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2017/04/29/michigan-wolverines-football-jim-harbaugh-pete-carroll-seattle-seahawks-nfl-draft/101062666/

"NFL Draft 2017: Michigan edges Alabama for most draft picks by school"

True story.

Maybe Brady Hoke was a better recruiter than everyone thought?

Or maybe Harbaugh was a better coach than we thought?

https://www.google.com/amp/www.maizenbrew.com/platform/amp/2016/2/4/10917008/michigan-football-recruiting-scout-names-chris-partridge-national-recruiter-year-2016

"Scout Names Michigan's Chris Partridge the 2016 National Recruiter of the Year"


https://www.google.com/amp/amp.mlive.com/v1/articles/20085736/michigan_assistant_chris_partr_1.amp

"Michigan assistant Chris Partridge named nation's top recruiter for 2017"

How can you beat back to back recruiter of the year award???
Under Harbaugh...

Are you in North Dakota? I like facts not coverups..

I think what really was unveiled is that there are even more guys on the 90 man that really don't fit in their plans. Guys that were so-so or we had hoped to blossom are going to have to show they fit or they will be moved.

Vance is up for grabs, but only for some value in return. Tiller, Jerod- Eddie aren't on the squad...and I'd be shocked if Purcell and Tank make it to the 53. A couple of the other TE's, Ellington, Harold will have to impress to make the team.

Originally posted by kirkscrafford:

I think what really was unveiled is that there are even more guys on the 90 man that really don't fit in their plans. Guys that were so-so or we had hoped to blossom are going to have to show they fit or they will be moved.

Vance is up for grabs, but only for some value in return. Tiller, Jerod- Eddie aren't on the squad...and I'd be shocked if Purcell and Tank make it to the 53. A couple of the other TE's, Ellington, Harold will have to impress to make the team.

I would just cut ties with Vance or eat the majority of the contract via trade, Another Baalke dumb ass move right before he left. Seachicken spy much

Send Tank outta here too..

Get rid of Ellington and Vance Asap before it spreads.. Tell this recent class ya better step up this year.

Baalke has to be one of the top 3 f**k ups of this franchise history.

0 tolerance for buffoonery.

Originally posted by MadDog49er:
(snipped)
Round 1-
Reuben Foster- Easily a top ten talent (for me a top 5 talent) if all factors outside of the football field are considered. Fast, tough, smooth, and solid across the board in all facets of defense (run, pass defense, pass rush). No problem covering RBs. Plays well through trash. Has no problem hitting people. Just a complete football player....on the field. The red flags come off the field, and there are numerous. Getting kicked out of the combine, to my knowledge, has never happened before, and showed a lack of self-restraint/maturity. Failing a urine test shows a complete lack of foresight, and seriousness of the moment. This is your job interview, and you failed in multiple ways. Self-admittedly poor at the whiteboard, and low Wonderlic score of 9 is another red flag for the complexities of defensive systems he will run with in the future. So, I ask myself, most MLBs are team captains and running the huddle. Is this the guy I want doing that? Hell no. If he is just a guy as an OLB, then I have better sentiments toward the pick. No one issue is a complete disaster, but the composite accumulation of all these factors tell me that he is not a clean player. And, that is the reason he sunk to the bottom of the first round. First round guys, regardless of talent, have to have a clean sheet. Call me not a fan of this pick, since there were a LOT of talented guys out there with clean sheets in front of them.

Round 3-
Ahkello Witherspoon- One of the more physically gifted CBs in the draft (his SPARQ score was nearly 95%), a long limbed, tall (over 6'2 1/2") is a nice match for what the Niners want to do on defense. Witherspoon improved greatly from two years ago to last year to this year. His completion allowed percentage continues to drop. Thin, but runs very well. Not a slot guy (he will be on the edge), there is a lot to like with this pick. Witherspoon was fourth best on my board at the time of this pick, so count me a fan.I think he can step in and compete right away for a starting position.

Round 3-
CJ Beathard- The ghost of Trent Baalke roared it's head and made an initial, head-scratching appearance with this selection at 104 overall. What in the world was the brass thinking? Beathard was absolutely brutal in multiple games this year (his final college game had a 7 for 23, 55 yards, and 3 INTs line). Yes, he was down some targets this year. Yes, he played some good teams and defenses. But, this is not a guy you are building a franchise around. He is not Cousins. So, why use a third rounder on a backup QB? I have no idea. To me, a complete disaster.

Great summary. Only quoted the parts I wanted to comment on.

Foster: I agree that an MLB needs to be smart enough to digest presnap info and get other players in position or change assignments, but I don't think Foster is going to play MLB. He seems like a pure Will seeing as how he is a natural 225-235 pounder. Nick Saban asks his players to pattern match in various ways so I think he can handle performing assignments. If he can't handle handing out assignments, so be it. I'm not counting this against him. That he failed the drug test when he knows he's entering the draft is a concern.

Witherspoon: At the time of this selection, were there any Edge players you would have considered? I was hoping for Edge at the top of the 3rd, but I don't know enough about BPA at Edge at the time and how that correlates to big board BPA. Once it gets past round 1, I'm just hoping the draft selection fills what I think is a team need. I had, and still have, Edge as a higher team need over CB. I watched some Witherspoon and love how he uses his length to contest catches. There was a chart posted of targets thrown his way (completions vs incompletions) and he took away nearly everything towards the sidelines past 15 yards. Exactly what you'd expect a long CB to do.

CJ Beathard: He had poor production, but I think system fit and intangibles played a big role in this selection. I saw good ball placement when I watched his Michigan State game (2015). It was mentioned that the Iowa HC gave him freedom to audible because of his high IQ. A big plus to him is there isn't much re-wiring to do since he's done a lot of things in Iowa's offense that Kyle will be doing.

As someone that also watches a bunch of film, I can tell you that I can never do what you do. I tried. Watching a player is very different than watching an entire offense/defense to analyze scheme. On top of that, I don't have an idea for level of competition when watching college ball, and not having the all22 - that really irks me. Thanks for all the research and hard work. Very much appreciated.

Williams was my favorite pick outside the 1st round. He screams Tevin Coleman to me.

Originally posted by Wu-5Rings:

Originally posted by flynhayn15:

Originally posted by Wu-5Rings:

(Just saying)

1) Maybe Wu really did know that he had talented players on the squad

2) Maybe Wu really wasn't all that bias after all

3) Time will tell but as of right now, the NFL seems to agree

If it doesn't apply, let it fly.

P.s Great draft from an intelligent GM and Head coach. Its a good start. I voted A- those extra draft picks made it a great draft and got their guys... btw

http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/news/nfl-draft-picks-2017-most-selections-college-alabama-ohio-state-michigan-clemson/mrrpdzrcnust1p00owp6453ek

"Pete Carroll calls on former nemesis Harbaugh: 'He's a great coach"
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2017/04/29/michigan-wolverines-football-jim-harbaugh-pete-carroll-seattle-seahawks-nfl-draft/101062666/

"NFL Draft 2017: Michigan edges Alabama for most draft picks by school"

True story.

Maybe Brady Hoke was a better recruiter than everyone thought?

Or maybe Harbaugh was a better coach than we thought?

https://www.google.com/amp/www.maizenbrew.com/platform/amp/2016/2/4/10917008/michigan-football-recruiting-scout-names-chris-partridge-national-recruiter-year-2016

"Scout Names Michigan's Chris Partridge the 2016 National Recruiter of the Year"


https://www.google.com/amp/amp.mlive.com/v1/articles/20085736/michigan_assistant_chris_partr_1.amp

"Michigan assistant Chris Partridge named nation's top recruiter for 2017"

How can you beat back to back recruiter of the year award???
Under Harbaugh...

Are you in North Dakota? I like facts not coverups..

I agree that Harbaugh is a good coach and a good recruiter. But the same people who gave him high recruiting grades gave Hoke low grades when he recruited Peppers, Charlton, Butt, and Wormley and the others that were drafted this year. So maybe they weren't as talent deprived as once thought.

Great breakdown and great work as always MadDog

.

My Quick 49ers Draft Recap

1st Round- Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford: He was not my #1 or even #2 guy going into draft day, but a half hour before I called my fellow 49er die hard best friend and said "You know the guy I actually want the more I have thought about it....Solomon Thomas" I still wanted a trade down badly so when we were able to move down one spots and get those extra picks and still get Thomas, well than at that point I was really, really excited. Why did I come back full circle to Thomas? Few reasons.... One was reading Matt Barrows column the day before the draft on why we should draft Thomas. Our biggest weakness is stopping the run and new DC Robert Saleh's #1 priority in this D is stopping the run. Thomas is a fantastic run stopper. As good as it gets for a Defensive End/Defensive Lineman coming out in recent years. I was not crazy about taking Thomas because I did not know where we would play him. I was assuming Armstead would be the LDE and Thomas would be the LEO. But then this week I read Armstead was lining up at LEO and all of a sudden we had a big opening and need at LDE and Thomas is the prototype LDE but also very versatile obviously and he can play inside as well, especially on passing downs where I think he will do damage. He's the perfect LDE though for this defense, our Michael Bennett if you will. Also, the more tape I watch on him the more he reminds me of Justin Smith. His play, versatility, toughness, the way he uses his hands, strength, etc. He really looks like a young Justin Smith. I also compare him a little to Roy Barker who was a terrific LDE for us for several years and was a guy who got double digit sacks while being a great run stopper. Solomon Thomas was a just a really good overall pick and he's a guy who can come right in and start but also he has his best football ahead of him. He just turned 21 and came out as a sophomore with really only one full year as a starter and he got better and better with each game as the season went on with his best game in the Sun Bowl against UNC and Trubisky where he dominated and was clearly the best player on the field.

1st Round- Rueben Foster, LB, Alabama: To get this guy at 31, wow!!!!! Obviously he fell because of some shoulder concerns and some off the field stuff but to get him at 31, was just an absolute steal. A top 10, if not top 5 player in this draft, Foster will be our Pat Willis-Bobby Wagner. He can fly all over the field and gives us that difference maker in the front 7 who can make a play out of nowhere. If he keeps focused, out of trouble and healthy, he's going to be a cornerstone of our defense. He might be the best LB Saban has had at Alabama and that is really saying something.

Third Round- Ahkello Wetherspoon, CB, Colorado: If you have read my posts the last month or two, you know I am a huge Ahkello Wetherspoon fan. I had him going to us in the third round in m 49ers mock draft though I thought he would probably be a 2nd rd pick. This kid has huge upside but he isn't just a raw talent, he showed he could play last year and again, he got better as the year went on. At 6'3" 200pds, with long arms he reminds me of Rashard Robinson and also a Patrick Robinson with some Antonio Cromartie in him as well. He probably won't see the field much as a rookie, but a few years down the road I think this kid has a chance to be special and we could have a heck of a CB combo with him a nd Rashard Robinson giving us two 6'3" corners.

Third Round- C.J Beathard, QB, Iowa: When we moved up and took him, I was a little confused and upset. But I trust Kyle Shanahan and the more I read and study about Beathard, the more I understand and kind of like the pick. He's a super smart kid and has the intangibles Kyle looks for in a QB. He seems like another Brian Hoyer with a little more mobility. I think he will be a very good long term backup who could start a few games if needed and not kill your team.

Fourth Round- Joe Williams, RB, Utah: This will prove to be one of the steals in the draft in my opinion. This kid is a really talented player who probably would have been a 2nd or at worst a 3rd rd pick had he not left the team. He seems all in on football now and focused and he is a really good fit in this offense and could be our Tevin Coleman. He will have an impact as a rookie!

Fifth Round- George Kittle, TE, Iowa: Real solid value in the fifth round. I saw him projected as third round pick in most mock drafts and he is a versatile, smart player who Kyle will be able to utilize.

Fifth Round- Trent Taylor, WR, LA Tech: Production of the charts in a pass friendly offense. I am not all that familiar with him but I have seen some people compare him to a poor man's Wes Welker or Julian Edelman. Can also return kicks. Wish we got Switzer earlier but oh well we will see how this kid pans out. I actually wanted KD Cannon here but more on that later.

Sixth Round- D.J Jones, NT, Ole Miss: Very happy with his pick. A 4th or 5th rd prospect who gives us the NT we needed behind Earl Mitchell and I think this kid has a chance to develop into a starter at some point. Very good, thick bodied run stopper upside. I think he beats out Purcell to backup Mitchel..

Sixth Round- Pita Taumoepenu, DE, Utah: Solid pass rush specialist prospect with some upside. Probably will spend the year on the PS and has a chance to develop into a situational pass rusher for us down the road. Reminds me of Tully Banta-Cain.

Seventh Round- Adrian Colbert, DB, Miami, FL: Big, raw talented DB who will spend a year or two on the PS and then maybe develop into a versatile backup.

So that's my recap of our draft picks. But not to long after the draft ended, I read we signed K.D Cannon, WR, Baylor a guy I so badly wanted in the 5th or 6th rd. This was a great signing and I think he makes the team and has a chance to develop into a #3 or 4 WR with his speed and playmaking ability.

Overall I would give us an A considering we also came away with the Saints 2nd round pick next year along with the Bears third round pick next year.

John Lynch absolutely ran his first draft like a baawse and crushed it in my opinon.