In just under 24 hours, the San Francisco 49ers will attempt to bolster their ranks via the 2020 NFL Draft. What was to be a grand spectacle in Las Vegas, Nevada, has morphed into an intimate affair as the country keeps its distance. Ahead of the likely circus of bandwidth issues and Dave Gettleman forgetting to unmute himself, we give you the third and final Full Press 49ers mock draft.
Rules: Trades are allowed; No repeat selections from the first two mock drafts
Draft Haul:
Trades:
13th overall (R1) to Raiders for 19th overall and 81st (R3) overall
31st overall (R1) to Dolphins for 39th (R2) overall and 141st (R4) overall
Round 1 (19): Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Notable Options: Jerry Jeudy, WR; Grant Delpit, S; Josh Jones, OT
The trade with the Raiders nets a third-round selection and doesn’t hurt a possible selection of a wide receiver. Jeudy was ineligible for this mock draft, per the “no-repeat pick” rule. However, the mere fact he was available at pick 19 is interesting. Jefferson is an athletic pass-catcher who played all over for the LSU Tigers during his career. He has reliable hands and does not have a problem of playing over the middle and taking the hits. The more I see Jefferson on film, the more I want him in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
Round 2 (39): Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio St.
Notable Options: A.J. Terrell, CB; Antoine Winfield Jr., S; Ross Blacklock, IDL
Trading back from 31st overall, the 49ers find their cornerback of the future. Arnette is a physical cornerback whose strength is in zone coverage where he can keep his eyes on the quarterback. He has the desired size at cornerback and had an excellent senior season after nearly declaring for the draft as a junior. Arnette may not enter the season as a starter but he should progress into a reliable cog in the defensive secondary by the end of his rookie season.
Round 3 (81): Isaiah Wilson, OT/OG, Georgia
Notable Options: Terrell Lewis, Edge; Michael Pittman Jr., WR; Joshua Uche, Edge
Wilson presents an interesting dilemma for San Francisco. With Jefferson’s selection in round one, the need for Michael Pittman Jr seems to be overkill, especially if you can pick up a talented offensive lineman who could play at tackle or guard. Thomas started just two years at Georgia but is a mountain of a man and excellent functional strength. While Thomas played right tackle in college, he has the makeup of a solid guard at the next level. At the very least, Thomas provides quality depth who could vastly improve his pass protection with NFL coaching. He’d be an interesting possibility to replace veteran Joe Staley after the 2020 season.
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Round 4 (141): Ben Bredeson, OG, Michigan
Notable Options: Lynn Bowden, WR; Devin Duvernay, WR; Leki Fotu, IDL
Taking a gamble here, Bredeson offers a project on the interior of the offensive line. At first look, Bredeson seems destined for use in a power-run scheme. However, it is important to understand that Kyle Shanahan’s offense has shown the ability to switch things up conceptually and is not afraid of lining up and pushing you around. Bredeson has some limitations due to a lack of desired quickness but he has shown steady improvement with his footwork. A team captain at Michigan, Bredeson’s weaknesses are fixable if he can find consistency with his hands and overall technique.
Round 5 (156): Leki Fotu, IDL, Utah
Notable Options: McTelvin Agim, IDL; Tyler Johnson, WR; James Proche, WR
Leki Fotu is not a replacement for Deforest Buckner. He is not that type of player and should not be expected to play the same role. However, Fotu is a talented defensive tackle who can help provide quality depth inside. What he lacks in pass rushing, he makes up for with his ability to diagnose run plays. Fotu played a two-gap scheme at Utah which focuses on occupying blockers and clogging the running lanes. Fotu would be a solid depth piece on the inside and add a powerful presence in short-yardage situations.
Round 5 (176): James Proche, WR, SMU
Notable Options: Isaiah Hodgins, WR; Isaiah Coulter, WR; Khalil Davis, IDL
James Proche finds the football. He is not a burner by any stretch, nor is he an expert route runner. However, Proche has strong hands and seems to thrive in 50/50 situations. His production jumps out at you. Over his last two seasons, he finished with 209 receptions and 27 touchdowns. Outside of his average-at-best speed, the biggest hurdles for Proche are technique-driven. Proche has great hands and makes contested catches. The 49ers would be wise to add Proche to the roster and add additional competition to a wide receiver group teeming with question marks.
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Round 6 (210): Tanner Muse, S, Clemson
Notable Options: Shaquille Quarterman, LB; Derrek Tuszka, Edge; Bravvion Roy, IDL
Tanner Muse is listed as a safety coming out of Clemson. However, he was used in a variety of ways on defense. Muse is likely destined for a role as a weak-side linebacker in the NFL. He’ll need to add a bit more weight as he comes in at about 230 pounds. However, his tape from Clemson shows a solid defender near the line of scrimmage who has the experience of playing in space, and who should have minimal issues with covering tight ends and running backs. Muse should be an immediate special team start with his tackling ability but also eventually become a hybrid linebacker who can be trusted in coverage.
Round 7 (217): Javaris Davis, CB, Auburn
Notable Options: James Robinson, RB; Isaiah Coulter, WR; Jacob Breeland, TE
Each mock draft has featured a possible replacement for K’Waun Williams. Davis is that guy. If it weren’t for his height (5’8″), Davis would likely be a day two selection. The Auburn product is feisty and fast. Davis ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine. He brings that speed to the field. The tape shows an aggressive cornerback who is not afraid of the football and possesses the rare quality of being able to turn his head around to locate the ball in flight. His size is his biggest limitation as larger receivers can find success in boxing him out. Due to his size, Davis is likely to see primary duties inside, although he has the talent to warrant time on the outside against smaller receivers.
Round 7 (245): Malcolm Roach, Edge, Texas
Notable Options: Thakarius Keyes, CB; Mitchell Wilcox, TE; Stephen Guidry, WR
Roach is listed, and played, as a defensive end. However, he’s built more for a move inside as a 3T, the role left vacant after the Buckner trade. First of all, no, Roach is not the replacement. Instead, Roach is a low-risk roll of the dice to find quality depth at the position. At best, Roach will spend a year or two on the practice squad, allowing him to bulk up and adjust to moving inside. With the amount of talent already on the roster and the talented staff coaching the group, Roach will have every chance to learn and grow.
– Ryan Adverderada is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage 49ers. He also covered the Arizona Cardinals for Full Press Coverage. Like and follow on Follow @ryanadverderada
