NFL Draft Review: San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers were supposed to be the breakthrough team last season, but flame fizzled out due to injuries at the quarterback and the running back positions.  Having everyone healthy will allow for the Niners to have a chance at a turnaround season.  Drafting better would help as well, so let’s take a look at San Francisco’s draft picks.

Round 1, Pick 2:  Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State.  6’4″, 266 lbs.  Bosa will start right away, and he is expected to make as much of an impact at rushing the passer like his brother did with San Diego a couple of years ago as a rookie.  Opposing lines will have to focus on blocking him, which means that the other side will open up with better pass-rushing opportunities.

Round 2, Pick 4:  Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina.  5’11”, 214 lbs.  Samuel will more than likely get snaps at the slot receiver position.  His real value will be as a kick returner because the 49ers lost most of their games due to horrible field position all season long.

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Round 3, Pick 3:  Jalen Hurd, WR, Baylor.  6’5″, 226 lbs.  Hurd became the leading receiver at Baylor after transferring from Tennessee as a running back.  He still has to develop in regards to route running, but his height will definitely be a factor in the red zone.

Round 4, Pick 8:  Mitch Wishnowsky, P, Utah.  6’2″, 218 lbs.  I mentioned earlier that field position was a problem for San Francisco earlier.  Fortunately, the Niners took special teams seriously in this draft by picking Wishnowsky, a former Australian rules football.  If you have ever seen Australian rules football, then you know that this guy can kick the ball well.

Round 5, Pick 10:  Dee Greenlaw, LB, Arkansas.  5’11”, 237 lbs.  Greenlaw will add depth to the linebacking position.  He could see some time at nickel linebacker because he is strong in coverage.

Round 6, Pick 3:  Kaden Smith, TE, Stanford.  6’5″, 255 lbs.  Smith will see time as a backup tight end.  He will also see some time in red zone packages due to his size.

Round 6, Pick 10:  Justin Skule, T, 6’7″, 317 lbs.  Skule will be given a chance to add depth along the offensive line.

Round 6, Pick 26:  Tim Harris, 6’2″, 197 lbs.  Harris dropped to the sixth round due to nagging injuries, but he definitely adds depth to the secondary.  His height will help against taller receivers in the red zone.

Grade:  I like how the Niners drafted because they really addressed some weak areas on the team.  I give them a B-.