Going into the 2015 draft, the 49ers find themselves balanced on a knife edge. There is still plenty of talent on the team, despite offseason losses in free agency and the unexpected retirement of two very good ILBs. If they fall one direction, they fall back into mediocrity and likely began a long road to rebuilding in a tough NFCW. If they fall the other direction, the talent left on the team rights the ship and Jim Tomsula proves himself to be at least a decent coach.
That’s what makes this 2015 draft so important. Baalke and Tomsula have to nail this draft. They need to restock a few positions and try and upgrade one or two others if possible. Looking at the 49ers, there are 4 main positions they should be looking to target early-ish in the draft; ILB, CB, WR, and IOL. A fifth possibility is DE, but I think the depth that has been built over the last few years is more than adequate at the position. Still, if someone fell to them I think they would play the BPA card at DE.
With that in mind, I am going to identify three players that the 49ers might look at in each of the first three rounds of the draft.
ROUND 1- pick #10
Much like the Rams, I expect Baalke to want to move out of the 15 spot. I think he would prefer to move down, unless one of the top three WRs falls within reach, but we’ll assume they stay put at 15. In no particular order:
Shane Ray
A week ago this would never have even crossed my mind. However, if Ray is slipping down draft boards due to injury then he is just Baalke’s type of player. Ray is one of the top edge rushers in the draft, though he would need likely to bulk up a bit to play in the 49ers scheme. Yes, the 49ers have Aldon Smith, Aaron Lynch, and Ahmad Brooks currently on the team. They also may want options in case they can’t afford Aldon next offseason, Lynch regresses, or they don’t want to keep an aging Brooks. If Ray slips, this makes sense under the BPA clause.
Dorial Green-Beckham
I hate to take DGB here, but I think the top three guys are gone by this point. Talent –wise, it makes sense. Risk –wise, it is about seven rounds too early in my opinion. However, the 49ers need someone with DGB’s skillset. Despite what Jed York wants to say about bringing in “high class” individuals, Baalke continues to sign people with a shady history (cough, Jerome Simpson). That is because Baalke knows that a team full of perfect players is a pipe teams, and talent speaks for itself in the NFL. I hate to do it, but the 49ers have to at least consider DGB at 15.
Jalen Collins
I have a feeling that Baalke likes his crop of untested, young CBs, but Collins should be an upgrade. A starting pair of Brock and Collins would be an improvement over what the 49ers lost in Culliver and Cox this offseason, at least on paper. Collins is tall CB with great talent, but he lacks experience. I think Baalke would have preferred Waynes but unless they move up he will be likely be gone.
ROUND 2 – pick #41
Chris Conley
This may be a tad early on Conley, but he is supposedly rising up draft boards. His rare combination of size, speed, leaping ability, and tape would be welcome on a 49ers offense that struggled mightily last season. He needs work, but runs nice routes and can absolutely fly. As a bonus, he is a smart kid and by all accounts an ideal teammate and student.
Mario Edwards Jr.
Yeah, I think DE is a lesser need for the 49ers, but Edwards here makes sense if no one at one of the other positions is available. He is a strong presence, and can play either 3-4 DE or move inside for the 49ers in the nickel package, which is something that is must for this defense. The issue is that his effort level doesn’t match expectations. I think Jim Tomsula would accept the challenge of motivating Edwards.
Benardrick McKinney
I’m not a huge fan of the ILBs this draft class, which is probably because I am looking for one of them to replace Patrick Willis and it is hard to live up to that. However, McKinney is a talented ILB with good size and tackling ability. His coverage skills are adequate, but if Bowman is truly returned to form then he will probably handle most of the big coverage responsibilities. McKinney would be a solid pick in round 2, and the 49ers pretty much have to take one here if they want one of the top prospects.
ROUND 3 – pick #72
Mitch Morse
While the loss of Mike Iupati was a big one, I think the 49ers are comfortable with either Marcus Martin or Brandon Thomas taking over that role. They do however need to upgrade depth on the interior of the line. Also, I don’t think Alex Boone is going to be around next season. I think they wait until at least the third round to address o-line and Morse is a guy they should look at. He played tackle at Missouri, but his short arms and lack of real athleticism will see him move to guard or center in the NFL. He is a guy that could end up winning the job and keeping it, and competition is always a good thing.
Darren Waller
In case you haven’t caught on, I think the 49ers need height at WR. Waller is best on fades and jump balls, and has good hands at the point of attack. His route running needs work though. Perfect for the 49ers who need redzone help, which the 6’6” Waller should be able to provide. It isn’t a sexy pick, but it addresses a need for the offense.
Ofo Ekpre-Olumu
He is just a little guy, and he has a knee injury; the perfect Baalke third round guy. His coverage skills are fantastic, and if weren’t for the height and injury he’d probably be a day one pick. Not a great tackler, but that can be coached. Baalke wants longer CBs, but Olumu would be hard to pass up in the middle of round three.
That’s it. Obviously I’m not going for accuracy here, but I do think each of these guys warrants consideration. And keep an eye on Conley, I think he is going to be special. Send me your hate mail at [email protected].
