We took a look at over 90 online mock drafts to determine the favorite for the San Francisco 49ers seventh overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft next month. If you have been looking at any mock drafts in recent weeks, you have noticed that an overwhelming number of them are not only leaning toward a specific position for the 49ers, but a specific player.

Let's take a look at the four most popular choices for the 49ers at the number seven spot, with two players currently tied for third. The entire growing database of mock drafts can be found here and will be updated frequently leading up to the draft.


QB Jared Goff, California


Jack is an elite talent that is rare for a player at his position. He can be an effective run defender or coverage linebacker. With some work, he could also develop into an effective pass rusher as well – something that he wasn't asked to do much at UCLA. He has the skill set and can play low enough to do it effectively.

Does anyone remember when Patrick Willis was asked to drop into coverage or shadow an elite running back? That is what you can ask of Jack and he has the speed to keep up with slot receivers too. Oh, and as if that wasn't enough, he can play running back as well.

"After suffering through a mass exodus of playmakers at linebacker, the 49ers grab a sideline-to-sideline menace with exceptional speed, quickness and instincts," said NFL.com's Bucky Brooks.

With Jack coming off of an injury, he definitely sounds like a Baalke kind of guy and Baalke himself was in attendance during UCLA's pro day on Tuesday to see him. He will also hold an individual pro day on April 1.




DE DeForest Buckner, Oregon

49ers selection in 4.3% of mock drafts

The 49ers drafted an Oregon defensive lineman in 2015 and their new head coach was once the head coach of that program, so why not look there again to infuse some more talent into your franchise? During each of his junior and senior years at Oregon, DeForest Buckner had over 80 tackles and during that final year, accounted for 10.5 sacks for the Ducks. During that two year span, over 18% of his tackles were for losses of a combined 134 yards, including 14.5 sacks.

The question for some is where you place Buckner on your defensive line. NFL Network's Mike Mayock rates the 2015 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year as the top interior defensive lineman in the draft while Bucky Brooks lists him as the third-best defensive end. The 49ers likely see him as an end in their 3-4 defense.

Pro Football Focus had Buckner rated as their top interior defensive lineman, with the top pass rushing grade and eighth-best grade against the run. In 2015, the 49ers ranked 29th in the league both against the run and in sack total.

"Assuming he won't have to play as many snaps in the NFL, Buckner may become one of those players that has to be double-teamed on almost every play, creating one-on-one opportunities for the 49ers' edge rushers. At his best, Buckner could disrupt like Seattle's Michael Bennett, but at a minimum, Buckner's quickness should compress the pocket and take away that step-up space that most QBs need," said Cris Collinsworth on Pro Football Focus.

Buckner's 6-7 height, 34 3/8 inch arms, and 11 3/4 inch hands make him a perfect Baalke candidate.




Below is a breakdown of the number of mocks that had the 49ers selecting each college prospect in the 92 surveyed. The entire database, which will be updated and grow as the draft approaches, can be found here.

Player School Mocks
QB Jared Goff California 49
QB Carson Wentz North Dakota State 20
OLB Myles Jack UCLA 4
DE DeForest Buckner Oregon 4
WR Laquon Treadwell Mississippi 3
OT Ronnie Stanley Notre Dame 3
QB Paxton Lynch Memphis 3
DE Joey Bosa Ohio State 2
OT Laremy Tunsil Mississippi 1
DT A'Shawn Robinson Alabama 1
DE Shaq Lawson Clemson 1


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