Here is a first pass at some of the prospects that I'll be watching at key positions of need. These are all "premium positions", but the good news is that we'll have 5 picks in the top 3 rounds next year, and have the $ to fill some of these holes in FA.
QB1
There are really three scenarios that play out before the 2018 draft. Either Beathard proves himself worthy if "QB of the future" designation, and we continue to role with him and Hoyer. Alternatively we try and address the position in FA with either Cousins or Garoppolo. Or neither happens and we invest early in the 2018 draft at the QB position, in which case here are a few guys I'll be watching.
- Sam Darnold (6'3" 225)
- Josh Rosen (6'3" 220)
- Mason Rudolph (6'4" 230)
- Luke Falk (6'3" 225)
WR1
We've done a good job in FA of filling out the WR depth chart with NFL quality talent, but we're still missing that difference maker piece. FA may be a good option in which to do this with guys like Watkins, Hopkins, Pryor, Jeffrey all hitting the market. If we sort out our QB situation, I could see SF as a desirable destination for a free agent WR, but here are a few I see in the draft with #1 WR potential.
- Calvin Ridley (6'1" 190)
- Cristian Kirk (5'11" 200)
- Courtland Sutton (6'3" 218)
OT
I absolutely love Joe Staley, but do fear that the clock may start to tick on him, and we currently have absolutely no depth to speak of at tackle. I would be a fan of drafting a guy a year or two early, and having them get experience at guard next to Staley before officially moving left to take over for him. This would plug an immediate hole at guard, while protecting our future at tackle.
- Trey Adams (6'7 320)
- Mitch McGlinchey (6'7 312)
- Martez Ivey (6'5 305)
- Mitch Hyatt (6'5" 295)
LEO / SAM
Our defensive line is looking pretty studly at the 3 Tech and "Big End" spots, but outside of Lynch (on his good days), and Elvis (in his prime) we don't really have anyone that strikes fear on the edge. A pass rusher in the Beasley mold could put this defense over the top, and may be a bigger hole if Lynch and Tank both depart next year.
- Harold Landry (6'2" 250)
- Tyquan Lewis (6'3" 265)
- Marquis Haynes (6'2" 225)
- Chad Thomas (6'5" 265)
- JaVon Rolland-Jones (6'2" 231)
- Lorenzo Carter (6'5" 242)
Outside CB
This is a position that is all potential, almost no experience. In concept, having guys like Robinson, Witherspoon, and Johnson on the outside with their length, and the quickness of Redmond / Williams in the slot. But as we've seen, an injury or two can ravage this position, and we need to keep adding guys who fit the mold.
- Tarvarus McFadden (6'1" 198)
- Brandon Facyson (6'1" 197)
- Kevin Toliver II (6'1" 193)
- Deion Harris (6'2 182)
- Chris Westry (6'3 185
The one position I didn't address here that I'll be looking out for is late round ZBS interior lineman. One of the big advantages of our scheme shift is that these types of lineman can usually be found later in the draft.
Who are some of the guys that you will be watching in college this year?