Edmunds or Roquan Smith?

People will try to convince you otherwise...but as prospects they should grade out virtually identically. It's just a matter of preference.

Matt Miller has Edmunds going to Niners ahead of Roquan in his latest mock. Just one opinion among many.

The Pick: LB Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech
Here's what you need to know about Tremaine Edmunds—he's 19 years old, 6'5" and 260 pounds. He was also one of the best defenders in all of college football last season and has the skills to be molded into either a stud pass-rusher or a rangy stack linebacker.
The 49ers have invested several first-round picks in recent years on defenders—you have to go back to A.J. Jenkins in 2012 for the last time the Niners used their first first-rounder on offense—but the talent and potential of Edmunds is too good to pass up. Especially when he's such a natural fit for the defense.
With Jimmy Garoppolo likely to receive either the franchise tag or a long-term contract, the 49ers can be aggressive with the over $100 million in projected cap space. That allows for a pick that's a little more adventurous but has huge payoff potential.

Originally posted by okdkid:

People will try to convince you otherwise...but as prospects they should grade out virtually identically. It's just a matter of preference.

They aren't identical and prospects at all. Roquan is RIGHT NOW one of the top 5 players in this draft. Would be an instant all pro. Edmunds COULD BE at some point, but he has a further way to go.

Too many folks getting caught up in Edmunds size. Roquan is faster, a better tackler and more instinctive and intelligent player. If Edmunds had what Roquan had at his size he'd be the #1 pick.

Originally posted by Dillesq:

Originally posted by okdkid:
People will try to convince you otherwise...but as prospects they should grade out virtually identically. It's just a matter of preference.

They aren't identical and prospects at all. Roquan is RIGHT NOW one of the top 5 players in this draft. Would be an instant all pro. Edmunds COULD BE at some point, but he has a further way to go.

Too many folks getting caught up in Edmunds size. Roquan is faster, a better tackler and more instinctive and intelligent player. If Edmunds had what Roquan had at his size he'd be the #1 pick.

Different traits. Similar grade.

Originally posted by Dillesq:

Originally posted by okdkid:
People will try to convince you otherwise...but as prospects they should grade out virtually identically. It's just a matter of preference.

They aren't identical and prospects at all. Roquan is RIGHT NOW one of the top 5 players in this draft. Would be an instant all pro. Edmunds COULD BE at some point, but he has a further way to go.

Too many folks getting caught up in Edmunds size. Roquan is faster, a better tackler and more instinctive and intelligent player. If Edmunds had what Roquan had at his size he'd be the #1 pick.

Roquan is NOT top 5 in this draft.

I'd rather take a CB.

Originally posted by 21SandersMoss84:

Originally posted by Dillesq:

Originally posted by okdkid:

People will try to convince you otherwise...but as prospects they should grade out virtually identically. It's just a matter of preference.

They aren't identical and prospects at all. Roquan is RIGHT NOW one of the top 5 players in this draft. Would be an instant all pro. Edmunds COULD BE at some point, but he has a further way to go.

Too many folks getting caught up in Edmunds size. Roquan is faster, a better tackler and more instinctive and intelligent player. If Edmunds had what Roquan had at his size he'd be the #1 pick.

Roquan is NOT top 5 in this draft.

You're right. He's actually top 3. Right Behind Nelson and Barkley.

Originally posted by StubbyNBY:

I am torn, but I would go with Smith. Safer pick and I think while Edmunds has a high ceiling, Smith is almost a sure-fire pro bowl type player. Edmunds might fill a bigger need at SAM spot though. Tough call....

Really is a tough call. I love the idea of both next to Reuben. But to me Edmunds will be more dynamic for us.

My issue with Edmunds is his instincts seem to he a step slower than Roquan, especially in coverage. I think there is bust potential for both honestly but Smith is safer. But for this exercise, give me Edmunds.

Originally posted by Dillesq:

Originally posted by 21SandersMoss84:

Originally posted by Dillesq:

Originally posted by okdkid:
People will try to convince you otherwise...but as prospects they should grade out virtually identically. It's just a matter of preference.

They aren't identical and prospects at all. Roquan is RIGHT NOW one of the top 5 players in this draft. Would be an instant all pro. Edmunds COULD BE at some point, but he has a further way to go.

Too many folks getting caught up in Edmunds size. Roquan is faster, a better tackler and more instinctive and intelligent player. If Edmunds had what Roquan had at his size he'd be the #1 pick.

Roquan is NOT top 5 in this draft.

You're right. He's actually top 3. Right Behind Nelson and Barkley.

Say to your credibility. Top 3 mmmkay...

Trade down.

Would take Smith 1st

neither

Barkley or Nelson...from there move back and get some picks.

Which one is better at stuffing the run? Last thing we need is D Johnson/Peterson and Gurley running it down our throats when we need a stop with 5 mins left.

Originally posted by 801niner:

Which one is better at stuffing the run? Last thing we need is D Johnson/Peterson and Gurley running it down our throats when we need a stop with 5 mins left.

It's a passing league my friend.

Originally posted by 801niner:

Which one is better at stuffing the run? Last thing we need is D Johnson/Peterson and Gurley running it down our throats when we need a stop with 5 mins left.

See in my mind I'm worried about Johnson everywhere.

My concern with Roquan is 1. Is he actually the elite athlete everyone makes him out to be? I think he's just so quick at reacting and can fly runs full speed everywhere. 2. He's awful small to play the MIKE. He's going to be in the thick of things every down and I think he will get consumed on downhill run plays.

Still a first round LB but it depends on what you expect from him. I think hes likely a similar player Eric Kendricks, which would be a good thing.