Identifying the 49ers’ top targets at Pick 7

These are the only players the 49ers should consider taking with the seventh pick in the draft:

1. Myles Jack, ILB, UCLA

2. Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State

3. Joey Bosa, OLB, Ohio State

4. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

Those players are the four-best non-quarterbacks this year. The fifth-best non-quarterback is Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott, whom the 49ers shouldn’t take because they already have Carlos Hyde. They should trade down if Elliott is the best non-quarterback available at pick No. 7.

Which players would you consider drafting with the seventh pick if you were the general manager of the 49ers?

This article has 419 Comments

  1. No on Ramsey (simply because I think he should play safety, and the 49ers are well stocked there), yes on the other 3.

    My order of preference would be Tunsil, Bosa, Jack.

    1. Interesting order. Do you consider any other players draftable for the 49ers at pick 7? I don’t.

      I think Ramsey can play either position.

      1. Ramsey can play either position, but I think his best fit is safety. They could look to play him at CB for a few years then switch him to safety. Ok, I’ve changed my mind, Ramsey probably is a good pick too.

        Tunsil, Bosa, Ramsey, Jack.

        Tunsil and Bosa are the two best players in the draft imo. Jaylon Smith would have been in that company if he hadn’t injured his knee.

        Buckner, Lawson and Ogbah I think would all be ok picks at #7, but not as good as the others.

        1. I see the Goff infatuation died. The new is Tunsil. Can any of you spell realistic? ND OT Ronnie Stanley’s availability chances at #7 are very good. The draft experts rate just a shade below Tunsil. Stanley is definitely an upgrade at the T pos. and will start immediately.
          This a chance for the Niners to beef-up the OL because this draft is so deep at a lot positions that it can be done with the Niners FO/GM smart effort and ingenuity. 49ers center is rated average to above average. ND C Martin would be another great addition in the second round.
          Again they should muscle-up the OL like they did when they drafted Staley, Davis and Iupati. Look at Dallas and the Eagles they have fortified their OLs. Does someone need to spoon feed Baalke?

        2. I see the Goff infatuation died. The new one is Tunsil. Can any of you spell realistic? ND OT Ronnie Stanley’s availability chances at #7 are very good. The draft experts rate just a shade below Tunsil. Stanley is definitely an upgrade at the T pos. and will start immediately.
          This is a chance for the Niners to beef-up the OL because this draft is so deep at a lot positions that it can be done with the Niners FO/GM smart effort and ingenuity. 49ers center is rated average to above average. ND C Martin would be another great addition in the second round.
          Again they should muscle-up the OL like they did when they drafted Staley, Davis and Iupati. Look at Dallas and the Eagles they have fortified their OLs. Does someone need to spoon feed Baalke?

      2. With Reid concussion history I would take Ramsey in a heartbeat. He CAN play either and who said abundance is a bad thing. When a couple can switch.

      3. I dont think bosa is a good pick for us. I like harold n he gained wayt. Jack,Ramsey,tunsil. But ragland to me and shaq lawson will be considered rookie of the year awards byend of season.

        1. I see the Goff infatuation died. The new one is Tunsil. Can any of you spell realistic? ND OT Ronnie Stanley’s availability chances at #7 are very good. The draft experts rate just a shade below Tunsil. Stanley is definitely an upgrade at the T pos. and will start immediately.
          This is a chance for the Niners to beef-up the OL because this draft is so deep at a lot positions that it can be done with the Niners FO/GM smart effort and ingenuity. 49ers center is rated average to above average. ND C Martin would be another great addition in the second round.
          Again they should muscle-up the OL like they did when they drafted Staley, Davis and Iupati. Look at Dallas and the Eagles they have fortified their OLs. Does someone need to spoon feed Baalke?

      4. Ramsey will be drafted previously as will Tunsil. Jack is actually a Tweener & not a good fit.
        Either Bosa or Buckner would be excellent selections.
        Current Mocks have Stanley the OT as the selection – I would prefer to trade down to around 14 then draft Conklin as he is a much superior fit to the Chip Kelly scheme & a 2nd round extra pick will allow the 49ers to draft another potential starter.

    2. I see the Goff infatuation died. The new is Tunsil. Can any of you spell realistic? ND OT Ronnie Stanley’s availability chances at #7 are very good. The draft experts rate just a shade below Tunsil. Stanley is definitely an upgrade at the T pos. and will start immediately.
      This a chance for the Niners to beef-up the OL because this draft is so deep at a lot positions that it can be done with the Niners FO/GM smart effort and ingenuity. 49ers center is rated average to above average. ND C Martin would be another great addition in the second round.
      Again they should muscle-up the OL like they did when they drafted Staley, Davis and Iupati. Look at Dallas and the Eagles they have fortified their OLs. Does someone need to spoon feed Baalke?

  2. Jalen Ramsey:

    6-1, 209, 4.41, 6.94 3-cone, 4.18 shuttle

    Sean Smith

    6-3, 214, 4.47, 6.92 3-cone, 4.15 shuttle

      1. Throw that idea out the window because Baalke won’t meet the asking price. I expect Norman to sign with the Jaguars before the draft.

          1. Norman is NOT going to be signed by the Niners. The Redskins will which is a competitive contending NON rebuilding team, hello?

        1. Terrific statement, Baalke is on the hot seat therefore he will play his cards very carefully.

      2. Norman is NOT going to be signed by the Niners. The Redskins will which is a competitive contending NON rebuilding team, hello?

  3. I think “they must trade down” should not be an option, it’s not up to them, you need someone trading up. And what about Buckner and Stanley?

    1. Buckner would be a sub-package-only player as a rookie, like Armstead. I don’t think the Niners would take Buckner. I think they want to give Carradine another chance to play DT next to Armstead in the sub packages.

      Stanley isn’t strong.

      1. Tank is playing OLB and is around 260 what do you mean DT…dial would push to DT and AA and bucker would be our starting DEs

      2. You have to put Buckner into the mix, he could very well be the best player overall in the draft regardless of position. Stanley is a maybe.

      3. That doesn’t make sense. They’ve been promoting how much weight carridine list and hiw much quicker he so he can rush from the edge because he’s not good at the interior. Baalke admitted that. Dorsey and Williams are more wall hangings in a trainers room than ball players at this point. While I think that they need to get premium Oline help ASAP, Buckner would be a fine choice to pair up with farmstead for the future. He’s armstead but stronger and better motor.

      4. i think Tank would be in the sub package. Buckner has a bigger upside. What say u, Grant?

  4. Buckner is a less-powerful, more-refined version of Armstead. Armstead has the higher ceiling.

    1. His comp is going to be Calais Campbell or Arik Armstead but I think he’s more talented coming out than either one of those guys. He’s twice the player Armstead was coming out.” -­ NFC Regional Scout

      1. Buckner is more developed, not more talented. Armstead is stronger and more naturally powerful..

        1. Do your due diligence my friend! If you just take a quick look at Oregons 2014 stats you would see that Buckner almost doubles Armsteads production. His 2015 was even better :).He’s a run stuffing 3-4 end that had 17 tfl. And compared to Armsteads combine numbers theyare very similar. Buckner a tad bit faster Arik jumps a Lil higher and farther. Buckner is the better prospect based off production in same system with thier athletic upside be a wash. So to not even include him with 49ers need at DE looks like lazy.

        2. I like the all four that you listed; and with the two quarterbacks, they get us to pick six (no pun intended). One of those four will be at six, because the draft is too messy to the first six taken. Tunsil is a “now” and “later” player that takes care of the second most glaring need.

          But…if neither of the four (Ramsey, Tunsil, Jack or Bosa) are there, and both QBs are gone,

          would you trade down a couple notches and try to get Billings later in round one, and then “best available” o-line, of “fallen, but still on our board” with next pick?

          Billings looked, big, fast, and smooth on pro-day video. Strong like Sapp, but was just gliding through the drills.

    2. I remember you saying that at some point in the recent past, and then heard the same thing from some Mayock-type, so it’s on good authority, twice over, and I believe you. I just sense that having 2 Oregon pillars providing the foundation for this defense for the next 10 years is too good to pass up; I think they’ll want to play together and may take less money to do so when it comes time, and I think having 2 positive, passionate, behemoth Ducks might be the best thing for the locker room both immediately and long-term.

      On talent alone, I much prefer Nkemdiche.

  5. I’d be happy with any of those guys at 7. Combining need+BPA I’d go
    1) Tunsil
    2) Jack
    3) Ramsey
    4) Bosa

    I will likely change my mind several times between now and the draft because they’re all good.

    I still like Buckner (who I think will be the one at 7), but I’d strongly consider trading back. 7 for the Titans 15+43, assuming the Titans covet Stanley.

    This leave this 49ers with 15+37+43+68 in the first three rounds.

    Possibilities at 15 include Lee or Billings.

    1. Or Floyd or Conklin or Decker or Kelly. Kelly drops no farther than the Colts at 18.

      1. Floyd at 15 would work. Sacks are so important. What’s Floyd’s annual projected sack count (assuming full time player)? Even a 10-sack a year guy could be worth a 15 if he can set the edge too.

      2. Lee would probably be gone at 15. I’d still grab Billings. I think he’s a special talent.

            1. I tell you hwat all ya do is look at the gall dang film there them quabacks running roun throwin them balls over the dang guys head and linebacks runnin lookin to hit them dang receivers and then i gotta get anutha beer – Boomhauer’s opinion.

      3. Niners should trade back with the Colts because they want Conklin. Niners could still get Kelly, or select dark horses Spence or Nkemdiche. Billings or Floyd may still be available at 18.

          1. I think the Niners will miss out on Lawson because they will trade back even further after jumping ahead to grab another first round pick.The Niners should start by trading back to the Titans for their first and second and third round picks so they can get an offensive lineman with the 7th pick. Then they should trade the 15th pick and their fifth and sixth round picks for the Colts first and second round picks.
            Draftek has the Texans, Vikings and Bengals all picking WRs, so the Niners should trade their second and third to Washington for their first pick.Then the Niners should trade back the 21st pick for the Bengal 24th pick so Cincy can leapfrog past the Texans and Vikings to get the WR they covet. Bengals give up their first and third pick for the 21st pick. Then the Niners continue trading down because Draftek has the Steelers, Seahawks and Packers all taking DTs. Niners should trade the 24th pick to the Packers so they can leapfrog the Steelers and Seahawks to get the DT they covet. The Packers will give up their first and fourth for the 24th pick.
            Therefor, after all the trade backs and trade up, the Niners would get 2 first round picks, 2 second round picks, a third round pick, 3 fourth round picks, 2 fifth round picks and 3 sixth round picks. Numbers 18, 27, 45, 48, 76, 105, 125, 133, 142, 174, 178, 211 and 213.

            1. Using the Draftek 300 board, and selecting within 5 of the draft number, the Niners could select; Taylor Decker, Emmanuel Ogbah, Kenny Clark, Kentrell Brothers, Joshua Perry, LeRaven Clark, Cardale Jones, Kevin Hogan, Matt Judon, Kenny Lawler, Keith Marshall, Dadi Nicolas.

      4. If we trade, for example, No. 7 for No. 15 and No. 43, and then, No.37 and No. 43 for something between No. 16 and No. 20 (Detroit, Atlanta, Jets, etc), maybe we can get something like Nkemdiche and Spence. Or Ragland (we need ILB). Maybe Conclin, Floyd, Lawson… Personally, I would LOVE Nkemdiche and Spence.

    2. Billings is a beast that can move. And the type of interior guy that can move the QB. With Armstead, Tank, and Lynch on the field, and Harold at times, Billings may break the pocket and make the others shine.

      I loved watching our “two Smiths” terrorize Rogers and company.

      Plus, I think Baalke may be the best around at finding D talent in later picks (earlier ones are too obvious, and sometimes bust); so an extra 47 and Billings is as good or better than a 7.

  6. Bill Walsh said that drafting middle linebackers in the first round was a wasted pick–they can be found later. Drafting the Ronnie Lotts (Free Safety) of the NFL with pick 8 (The quarterback of the defense) he thought was wise.
    Better to take a top pass rusher at this spot since rule changes favor the passing game. I’ll post a top a 49er mock draft next week.

    1. Bill Walsh may have changed his mind had he survived long enough to watch Patrick Willis’s career…

      1. Patrick Willis was a tackler, with few sacks and Walsh won Superbowls with his strategy, What’s Baalke won. Sorry, Walsh 1-Blaine Spence-0

    2. Very true. But we have Baalke calling the shots. And the play-makers in the last 5 years are………………………….

    3. loved watching Bill Walsh scheme. He did pick Todd Shell in first round, No. 24 in 1984.

      Best draft wasn’t the great 1981, it was the crazy 1986, with no first rounders the Niners take:

      Larry Roberts (39)
      Tom Rathman (56)
      Tim McKyer (64)
      John Taylor (76)
      Charles Haley (pick 96 overall)
      Steve Wallace (101)
      Kevin Fagan (102)
      Don Griffen (162)

      1. Trader Bill got so much out of that draft, the others refused to trade with the Niners for years because they were afraid they would like fools.

  7. We are flush at safety(although Bethea could go)-if we were to draft a Safety the Ronnie Lott of this draft is Karl Joseph but he is a lower first round pick and won’t be a 49er alas (he and Billings are my draft crush guys).

    1. I think Joseph is a top 15 player in this draft. Might not get drafted that high due to the position, but he’s an excellent player.

    2. You never know, we have more than enough ammo to move up from the second round…

    3. ACL pick? A Baalke LOCK. CBS draft board has him at 46, so he could fall to the third round.

    4. Joseph may go in the first but his knee injury may slide him into the second. Vonn Bell will likely be a first round pick.

      1. I’m still gutted he did his knee. Though if he hadn’t, he’d most likely have been drafted before the 49ers picked anyway.

        1. If he was healthy it would be a coin toss for me between him and Tunsil as the best player in the draft.

            1. If both players were equal to their position I’d have to lean towards Tunsil simply because I feel top LT’s are harder to come by then ILB’s.

              1. Yeah… to me Smith when 100% healthy was better at his position than Tunsil is at his so I’d have had Smith #1.

                It would have been Smith, Bosa, Tunsil for mine.

              2. Normally I would agree… my only question is how does Tunsil fit Kelly’s blocking scheme?

        1. No he can’t. For a guy with the potential to be the next Willis someone will be willing to wait a year for that. He doesn’t make it out of the 2nd.

          1. I don’t believe a team will be willing to spend a second round pick on a prospect that may be out longer than the 2016 season.

              1. How offering a better reason instead of assuming something?

  8. I agree that Jack has to be high on their board if not the very top. Arguably the most athletic talent in the draft. He played both ways at UCLA, showing hes well conditioned (or has the potential to be once healthy). That is a great fit in a Chip Kelly defense that gets more reps than the rest of the league. Also with Bowman slowing down and becoming more of a coverage liability I think you give Bowman that “Willis” role of playing Mike LB and possibly resting him in Nickle packages.

    1. After QB and O-line, Niners next obvious problem was linebackers’ inability to cover tight ends.

      Of the games we did win, a couple of them were just odd because the other teams’ OC quit calling passes across the middle, even though every Niner fan knew Bowman and the sub of the week couldn’t cover.

  9. Glad you listened to me. :-)
    1. Jalen Ramsey
    2. Laquan Treadwell
    3. Jack Conklin
    4. Ezekiel Elliott
    5. Jack Conklin

    I’m excluding Jack, Buckner, and Tunsil because I don’t believe any of them will make it past the sixth pick.

      1. Me neither, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the 49ers took him with the seventh pick because he has the measureables that Baalke and Kelly like.

          1. D’oh! I don’t realize that. I meant to have Shaq Lawson at #5.

  10. We need pass rush and I really like Ogbah! He is well worth the 7th pick and can be just as good as Aldon Smith.

        1. Possibly, but I think he’ll be one of the prospects that slides due to a strong DL class and a couple of teams over valuing the QB prospects.

          1. True, there are going to be some really good DL prospects that fall to the 2nd round… and some average offensive prospects that get over drafted.

      1. I don’t think he will be there in 2nd and he is ranked 3rd as a DE\OLB behind Bosa and Floyd. His sack production is better than both Boss and Floyd.

        1. Scout rankings don’t always pan out though, and Ogbah’s is a little more raw than Bosa and Floyd.

          1. Ogbah is a lot more raw than guys like Bosa, Lawson and Floyd. He’s a projection player, but he’s got all the athletic talent you could want for the position and showed it in flashes in college. Any team drafting him is hoping he develops like Ansah.

  11. Josh Norman before the Super Bowl: I like the Bay area.
    Josh Norman after signing with his new team: I’ve always wanted to play in Florida.

  12. Tunsil is the best player in the draft. Give me Jack, Bosa, Buckner, Lawson. Defense – travels on the road well, defense wins championships. If your going to draft offense then Tunsil. Stay away from the skill positions.

    1. I knew Conklin was strong. Both looked good. (Buckner’s teammates need to hit run fits better).

      I came away liking both. For example, Buckner got blown out by a double team, but had the athleticism to recover and get in on the tackle. Athletic up the wazoo. Reminds me of the Borland vs Hyde breakdown.

      How’s Conklin vs quick edge rushers? Just as good? Strength?

        1. RT seems ideal for him. He’s a mauler. 49ers would still need a long term LT. Trent Brown?

  13. On Rotoworld:

    “ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports free agent Josh Norman is discussing five-year deals with the Redskins and 49ers, and is expected to get $14-$15 million per season.

    That money is what Norman has been looking for all along. It would put him well ahead of the annual $12.5 million Janoris Jenkins pulled down earlier this offseason. Norman appears set to become one of the 2-3 highest paid corners in the league. ”

    “The Washington Post reports the Redskins have made an offer to free agent CB Josh Norman.

    ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Norman is fielding five-year deals worth between $14-$15 million annually. With an estimated $11.6 million in cap space, the Redskins would have to get slightly creative with the structure of the deal or do some mild cap gymnastics to fit that size contract under the salary limit, but the cap is not a real concern. Norman is meeting with the Redskins on Friday. The 49ers are thought to be the other team seriously involved in negotiations.”

    1. If this plays out like usual, Norman goes to Washington and Trent Baalke denies the 49ers were ever seriously involved.

  14. 1 Goff
    2. Wentz
    3. Tunsil
    4. Bosa
    5. Ramsey
    6. Stanley
    7. Trade back, or take Buckner, Jack, Elliot. Lawson or Lee.

          1. Bosa to me has high bust potential. But I just can’t get over how dumb he is when he talks. I refuse to support a guy who sounds stoned out of his mind and moderately delayed intellectually.

            If jack’s knee checks out id go Ramsey or jack.

          2. It is great to check what’s going on around here and read, “Jack’s a stud”…..

  15. being the extreme optimist, were going to sign Norman ( sorry Ramsey) and trade for Mo Wilerson ( no Bosa, no Buckner) and pray Jack or Tunsil is available!

    If its Tunsil……we must trade back into the end of round 2 and get the other Jaylen and wait a year for his knee to heal!

    1. If they trade for Wilkerson I doubt they get to keep pick 7 to use on Tunsil or Jack.

  16. 1. Rams. Goff
    2. Eagles. Wentz
    3. Chargers. Ramsey
    4. Cowpokes. Elliott
    5. Jaguars. Bosa
    6. Baltimore. Buckner
    7. Niners: Tunsil

  17. at 7 u gotta take ramsey if hes there esp if they not pickn up reids 5th yr. any of the other names work. i like buckner, tunsil or stanley. trade back 10-15 range sheldon rankins or darron lee. 20s range joshua garnett, vernon butler, nkemdiche, connor cook

  18. Buckner should be on that list of 7. Reuniting Armstead 7 Buckner would mean taking over the NFC west with Lynch coming off of one edge, and Harold on the other. Now we are talking pass rush

  19. The 49ers lack of activity in the FA market tells me they consider this a rebuilding year and both Kelly’s and Baalke’s jobs are safe. For this reason I believe they will trade back and collect as many picks as possible. They will give Kelly as many as 15 drafted rookies to develop for 2017. Who they will pick will depends on how far back they trade. I believe they will pick a OT with their first pick again depending on how far they trade back the order I would pick OT’s is Stanley, Conklin, Decker and Spriggs. If they trade back I also see them drafting 2 QB’s and signing one as a UDFA with Hogan being their top QB pick. If they end up with 15 picks I see 10 of those picks going to the D and 5 to the O.

    1. I think it’s more than just rebuilding. Front office would want to find out how even the starters adapt to Chip’ system. They will probably draft at least the dozen currently slotted. I have no idea who they will drat except that they will draft a QB, DB and at least one OT and MLB.

      1. I agree with this. The new staff has to evaluate everyone on the roster, and they weren’t able to talk with players about football and run them around until just recently. So I think this draft will be devoted to filling obvious holes in the early rounds (DL, ILB, OL) and then bpa thereafter. Old Coach’s strategy of trading back makes a lot of sense to me, although what they do with the first pick if Jack falls to them will be interesting.

    2. Nice post, Coach. You and I are on the same wavelength.
      My only question is- Who do you you think will be willing to trade back with the Niners?

      1. The Browns and the Titans certainly have the extra picks to trade with. If E. Elliot is available at 7 there might be a few suitors for him. There may be an extra pick from the Broncos for Kaep and you never know when a team may get a wild hair and want to move up that no one expected.

        1. Coach, I really hope and pray that Kaep stays. Maybe Chip can persuade him to stay by promising him his starting job back that he lost due to injury.
          Baalke should go all in with Kaep by trading away Gabbert. He has lots of positives and skills, and is presently the starting QB, so he should garner a first round pick. Either the Broncos or the Jets would be good targets, and since both teams are near the salary cap limit, Gabbert’s salary is very appealing.
          Trading Gabbert to Denver will placate Elway so he will not push hard to get Kaep, and essentially make Kaep stay.
          Gabbert is a great bargaining chip, and would give the Niners another pick in the sweet part of the draft.

          1. Some may say that Gabbert is not worth a first round pick, but when the Rams and Eagles give up more than multiple firsts for an untested and unproven rookie, Gabbert may seem like a good bargain.

              1. There’s a huge difference between an untested 1st round rookie and a former first round pick that’s a bust Seb.

              2. Bust? He is the starting QB for the 49ers.
                That does not sound like a bust to me. Joe Montana would have failed at Jax. Gabbert actually played decently for the Niners, even behind that porous O line with cut couch potato RBs.

              3. He’s the starting QB for the 49ers because he was traded to them for a sixth round pick and is the only viable option available on the roster since Kaepernick wants out. If teams were truly interested in acquiring Gabbert, then we’d have heard something by now.

          2. The fact that you think Gabbert would go for a #1 speaks volumes about your football acumen

  20. Grant,

    This Norman thing is bothering me. Can you explain to me what the 49ers plan to do with 50 million in cap space?

    Also, if Tunsil did fall to them … what could they get for Joe Staley? Brown looked the part at RT last year.

    1. Josh Norman is 28 years old and turns 29 in December.

      Looks like he wants a 5 year deal worth around 15 million a year.

      He will be 34 when that deal expires.

      The only way id be on with it is if the last 2 years were easy to get out of for the Niners.

  21. Next to last mock draft…traded back twice, traded up once in the 6th round to get a free safety to eventually replace Eric Reid. This is assuming we sign Josh Norman at CB.

    VIEW EACH TEAM’S DRAFT

    15: R1P15
    OT JACK CONKLIN
    MICHIGAN STATE
    37: R2P6
    DE EMMANUEL OGBAH
    OKLAHOMA STATE
    42: R2P11
    DT CHRIS JONES
    MISSISSIPPI STATE
    64: R3P1
    G JOSHUA GARNETT
    STANFORD
    68: R3P5
    WR CHARONE PEAKE
    CLEMSON
    105: R4P7
    OLB KAMALEI CORREA
    BOISE STATE
    107: R4P9
    ILB NICK KWIATKOSKI
    WVU
    133: R4P35
    TE TYLER HIGBEE
    WESTERN KENTUCKY
    142: R5P3
    QB CARDALE JONES
    OHIO STATE
    145: R5P6
    RB TYLER ERVIN
    SAN JOSE STATE
    174: R5P35
    CB BRIEAN BODDY-CALHOUN
    MINNESOTA
    178: R6P3
    G JOE THUNEY
    NC STATE
    190: R6P15
    S KEVIN BYARD
    MIDDLE TENNESSEE
    211: R6P36
    QB JAKE COKER
    ALABAMA
    213: R6P38
    WR D.J. FOSTER
    ARIZONA STATE

    TRADES
    TRADE PARTNER:
    LA RAMS
    SENT:
    ROUND: 6 PICK: 32
    FUTURE ROUND 6 PICK
    RECEIVED:
    ROUND: 6 PICK: 15
    TRADE PARTNER:
    TENNESSEE TITANS
    SENT:
    ROUND: 1 PICK: 7
    RECEIVED:
    ROUND: 1 PICK: 15
    ROUND: 2 PICK: 2
    ROUND: 3 PICK: 1
    TRADE PARTNER:
    MIAMI DOLPHINS
    SENT:
    ROUND: 2 PICK: 2
    RECEIVED:
    ROUND: 2 PICK: 11
    ROUND: 4 PICK: 9

      1. Mid,
        Higbee got in some trouble a couple of weeks ago, but he will get drafted, albeit 6-7 rd. He has respectable speed and very good hands for a TE. Was Brandon Doughty’ favorite receiver at Western Kentucky. If Higbee is an undrafted free agent, he will make someone’s roster.

    1. Wow that was like reading Dostoyevsky or Seb after mid morning- some nice choices there I have some questions about where some fall but nice Pot.

      1. I use fanspeak.com to run mock drafts; the computer picks for other teams while I pick for the Niners. Trust me, I highly question the computer’s selections some times.

        1. I use the CBS draft prospects and Draftek big board.
          However, sometimes they seem miles apart. Floyd can be 18 on CBS, and 50 on Draftek. Ogbah can be 38 on CBS and 27 on Draftek. Lee is 11 on CBS, but 31 on Draftek. Ifedi is 42 on CBS and 81 on Draftek.
          Drafting is an inexact science.

            1. I just used the fanspeak ap and drafted without trades-
              1. Buckner
              2. Ragland
              3. Nick Martin
              4. Sheldon Day, Tyler Ervin
              5. Cyrus Jones, Victor Ochi, Cardale Jones
              6. Thomas Duarte, Anthony Zettel, Joel Heath, Tyler Johnstone.

  22. The quarterback supply and demand situation should play out in the back half of round one.

    The Jets are in play at 20. The Browns, Cowboys and 49ers could leapfrog Denver for Lynch or Cook. There could be a trade-up bidding war for late first rounders echoing what the Eagles and and Rams did (on a much smaller scale when it comes to picks).

    5 Quarterback uncertain teams (Browns, Cowboys, 49ers, Jets, Broncos)
    2 Prospects that could go top 40 (Lynch, Cook)
    2 Limbo Quarterbacks (Fitzpatrick, Kaepernick)
    1 Newly Limbo Quarterbacks (Bradford)

    The math gave the 49ers (some) leverage until Bradford started wanting out of Philly. If the Eagles shop Bradford, will it suppress the demand for CK?

    1. It would probably end any chance of trading Kaepernick. The Jets have shown zero interest in Kaepernick and the Broncos aren’t willing to accept him at his current rate.

  23. Of the players Grant listed, the only one I think may be there is Bosa and that’s only if Buckner is taken ahead of him. We are likely looking at a group of:

    Stanley
    Lawson
    Lee
    Hargreaves
    Ragland
    Conklin

    As best players available other than the one who falls between Buckner and Bosa. I’d look to trade down if possible.

  24. Maiocco – “This is fourth time since 1967 that first two picks in NFL draft were traded. The first three times, the third pick was also traded.”

    That’s why I’d be surprised to see Tunsil, Ramsey, Jack* falling very far. Its possible when you analyze top seven team needs, but I think there would be trade-ups before that happened.

    Baalke sacrificed a 113th to move from 13 to 11 (Anthony Davis)
    Baalke sacrificed a 74th to move from 31 to 18 (Eric Reid)

    He has no qualms about “reaching” for a targeted player.

    I’m not saying he should. It would make me wince. Many say the talent in this draft is very flat from about pick 40 to 100. Just speculating what he might do.

    I don’t see him trying to move up to 3. Picks 4 and 5 could be targets. A move up to 5 would cost 105 + later pick(s) or a player.

    *unless his knee really is a major concern

  25. 3 things that will impact the Niner draft.
    Of course, the Kaep drama, that is a given.
    However, the Glen Dorsey rehab will be a big factor. If he can come back strong, they may not have to pick DTs like Billings or Kenny Clark.
    The biggest wild card is the return of AD. His return would lessen the need to get an O lineman in the first round. If he returns, the Niners will be able to trade back to a OL hungry team and garner more draft picks.
    I agree with OldCoach. Trading back with the Titans makes the most sense.

    1. Why don’t you just tell us about what you had for dinner last night? Just as valuable.

      “Of course, the Kaep drama, that is a given.” The drama, as you call it, is a drama only to sportswriters and I guess you, as anything we get for him will be mid-round, maybe not even this year.

      “However, the Glen Dorsey rehab will be a big factor. If he can come back strong, they may not have to pick DTs like Billings or Kenny Clark.” They won’t know how he’s gonna be until well after the draft.

      “The biggest wild card is the return of AD. His return would lessen the need to get an O lineman in the first round. If he returns, the Niners will be able to trade back to a OL hungry team and garner more draft picks.” Are you serious? Now is when players are getting into shape, and AD hasn’t even filed reinstatement papers yet. You really think he’s coming back? He’s totally a fly on a gorilla’s butt. Can’t be trusted. No one will want him, least of all Baalke.

      1. George, Kaep may dictate who the Niners draft. If he leaves, that may force the Niners to draft Lynch or Cook (ugh), and miss out on a good pass rusher or starting O lineman. I guess you think that is not important.
        Dorsey has been reported to be ahead of schedule in his rehabbing. The good prognosis is good news and may affect the draft selection.
        Bailing on AD is typical of clueless Niner fans who want to throw away players like they are a piece of trash, only to realize that now they have a huge hole in the lineup that needs to be filled. If AD does not come back, the Niners may be forced to draft an O lineman in the first and miss out on the opportunity to trade back and garner more picks.
        Glad you spent all that time retyping my post, but maybe you should better spend your time trying to write something interesting, if you can think of something…

        1. If you call your rubbish interesting, that’s because it’s only interesting to you. That’s why I ask, why don’t you just tell us about what you ate yesterday. That would have equal value to what you write most of the time.

          1. How trite. Guess you want to know what I ate because you have no idea how to talk about football without exposing your ignorance.

          2. I enjoy reading seb’s posts and I don’t think it is rubbish. So its not only interesting to him. Why do you need to get personal?

    1. Much the same as what is being said on here, but it’s interesting to see how diverse the scouts opinions are. An array of differing opinions based on things that don’t take the tape into account for the most part. With Goff the concerns are always about build and scheme. With Wentz it’s all about experience and level of play. I think at some point you have to look at what happened on the field to make your final decision. You can paralyze yourself with the other things.

      1. I agree. I would be very happy to see the Niners bring in Adams as an undrafted free agent. I think I agreed with Old Coach about the draft path for the Niners this year; trade down to get more players in the 40-100 range given everyone’s belief that there is very little difference between player 40 and player 100 (more value), take 2 lesser QBs and bring in an undrafted QB to compete.

  26. Barrows – “Snyder flew in Josh Norman and family members on his private jet.”

    He’s doing a full court press. He’ll probably give Normal a whopping signing bonus, that’s prorated over several seasons (like Anthony Davis, Vernon Davis)

    He gave a…
    – $55 million contract to Dion Sanders in 2000, when Sanders was 32 years old.
    – $100 million contract to Albert Haynesworth (20 games, 53 tackles and 6.5 sacks)
    – $31 million for Randle El in 2006. Huge at the time.
    – $31 million for Dana Stubblefield. (15 sacks in 1997 with the 49ers. Only 7 total sacks 1998 to 2000 at Washington)

    If the 49ers don’t sign Josh Normal I’m not going to cry about it.

    1. Maiocco had this to say about Norman:

      “The source said the 49ers were likely hoping for a “soft market” for Norman. It is unlikely the 49ers will enter a bidding war that could make him the highest-paid player on the team, the source said. The 49ers “like the player,” but the source said Norman’s style might not be a perfect fit in the team’s defensive scheme.”

      http://www.csnbayarea.com/49ers/source-49ers-interested-norman-first-heading-washington

  27. Trade back from 7 to 19 and pick up Wilkerson if he wants to be here. Sign josh Norman and take the best ILB at 19 and best edge rusher in the 2nd round. This d would be good

    1. Trade 7 for Titans 15+43 (Titans take Stanley)
      Trade 15 for Jets 20+51… or Jets 20+Wilkerson (Jets take Lynch)

      A modest trade up (20+105) if Lee falls to 17. If not, choose Billings at 20.

      The Cowboys or Browns move up to the early 20s for Cook. Denver trades pick 68 for Colin Kaepernick.

      Lee with picks 37, 43, 51, 63, 68 in day two sounds pretty darned good.
      Lee+Wilkerson with picks 37, 43, 63, 68 in day two sounds even better.

      If not Lee, Billings would do nicely.

    1. Oneniner,
      Simultaneous Q on that. My question too. Not to confuse with the other star LB, J Smith who failed physical and will be very lucky with a one year rehab, Jack did much better in med check in Indy but still did not get a 100 percent pass. For me that moves him down the list aways.

  28. I do not understand why you have Myles Jack at the top of your list with a the lingering ? on medical. Myles Jack, a heck of a player, still does not have a green light on that knee meniscus tear. Until that concern goes away I see more preferable choices at the 7th pick.

  29. http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article73350612.html

    “A medical recheck this month left teams with an array of impressions about the long-term stability of the joint. The following quotes are from officials from three different NFC teams who spoke on the condition of anonymity so that they wouldn’t reveal their draft plans when it came to Jack.

    “Very scary,” one said of the knee. Another said, “It shouldn’t be a problem.” The last: “Not great, but not as bad as reported.”

    1. That mixed bag of answers to the med Q takes Jack out of 7 for me. Myles says there is some smoke blowing going on —- could be —- but from whom?

      He is a good kid, I hope for his sake some team IS blowing a lot of smoke cause they know better and want him bad. Niners?

  30. So we’ve discussed who we all want at #7, what are people’s top 3 greatest fear picks at #7?

    Mine are Lynch, Cook and Treadwell.

    1. Stanley – He could turn out to be a great LT. He has lots of skills. I worry about reports he lacks strength and can be bull rushed.

      Conklin – 7 seems high for a RT.

      Elliot – 7 is too high for a running back not named Gurley.

      Any Edge Rusher – Lots of solid edge guys. None worth a 7. (I’m not lumping Bosa with the edge guys. I’d be happy with him at 7.)

      1. Who are the guys you really don’t want the 49ers to take but fear they might?

        1. – Lynch or Cook anywhere above the 20s.
          – The rest of my list above fits that description.
          – Hargreaves at 7. He’s a good DB. Maybe in a trade down. We already have Ward in slot.

    2. Actually, Darron Lee should be on that list too. Don’t rate him a first rounder.

      Lynch, Lee, Cook, followed closely by Treadwell.

      1. I would add that, in my opinion, none of the OLB or outside rushers for that matter are worthy of the 7th pick this year.

        So I don’t want to see them pick an OLB with that pick. Slide down and turn it into an OLB plus additional pick and I could see that.

        1. Bruze Z Count me in. No Aldons or Millers in this draft. Lots of solid edge guys later in the first or round two.

    3. Scooter,
      Great question and to already include my answers no less. Lynch is a reach down that would only occur in this current QB frenzy as it plays on into crazy. But it is not the 49er M O unless it includes a move down and then grab him plus plus pick.

      I don’t even like the thought of Cook at later picks. Waite on QBs. There are some worhtys in later rounds. I have mentioned earlier that I like Adams and Reynolds as late round QB experiments. If one or both do not pan out as QB then they can make slide to RB or possibly WR plus offering back up and option QB.

      Treadwell is arguably at the top of a weak WR year. Then add to that formula, the Baalke bad record on picking WRs. So wait on WRs until you have exhausted all other categories.

      The one WR that might tempt me is Braxton Miller. Only because the transverse of the above logic could be possible. He was a pretty good QB before making the switch. So he gives you fall back options. He would be available for second pick. Hmmm? Maybe there is a tempting WR at early picks?

      I would add Nkemdiche – in case they get tempted to take a chance on lots of talent with character issues.

      1. Yeah, I am not against Cook in the 2nd, but not in the first. While Lynch I don’t think should be drafted until mid 2nd to 3rd.

        Treadwell to me isn’t the best WR in the draft, and shouldn’t be higher than late 1st round.

        My late addition of Lee is my second greatest fear behind Lynch. He’s really overrated in my opinion.

    4. – Any QB
      – CB Hargreaves
      – ILB Jack
      – WR Treadwell
      – Joey Bosa

  31. The QB crazy stuff that has been happening at the top of the draft has created a very interesting scenario for 49ers. If Laremy Tunsil, the best player of one of the two most talented positions in the draft, is there that is hard to walk away from. And they need a tackle.

    But you can spin that logic around. There is really only one good DB at the top with a much less talented DB class to follow. Where as there is a lot of rare depth this year at O tackle (as well as D line).

    So take Jaylen Ramsey at 7 and get a good tackle at the 37th pick. Considering the current dynamics of the draft, Conklin could be there. Whitehair could be there. Kelly would likely be there for interior shore up.

    The other option is to trade down and grab an extra high mid rounder to take better advantage of draft depth at DE particularly and OT to lesser extent. Then hopefully find some late talent at DB as they have been successful at doing in the past.

    And, honestly, just stay away from WRs. The Baalke record has not been good at picking WRs and, additionally, this is a very weak year cyclically following two very strong WR years.

  32. Question:
    Does any one else see this as the most interesting draft in a long time and it hasn’t even gotten started yet?!?

    And who said the NFL draft is boring?

    Not this year.

    1. I love every draft season, because we get to wildly speculate and are usually wrong. These mocks will be archived and posters can point out how wrong many were about their assessments.
      With all the Kaep drama, this one will be pretty exciting.

  33. For a bit of fun on a lazy Saturday morning here in Oz, here is my draft big board (top 50) for 2016. Its not 49er specific.

    Before I start, I will add that sans his knee injury, Jaylon Smith would be #1 on this list. However, because of his injury I will exclude him from this list.

    1. Joey Bosa
    2. Laremy Tunsil
    3. Jalen Ramsey
    4. Myles Jack
    5. Ezekiel Elliott
    6. DeForest Buckner
    7. Sheldon Rankins
    8. Shaq Lawson
    9. Emmanuel Ogbah
    10. Chris Jones
    11. Jared Goff
    12. Karl Joseph
    13. Leonard Floyd
    14. William Jackson III
    15. Ronnie Stanley
    16. Noah Spence
    17. Carson Wentz
    18. Kenny Clark
    19. Jarran Reed
    20. Ryan Kelly
    21. Vernon Hargreaves
    22. Reggie Ragland
    23. Jack Conklin
    24. Jason Spriggs
    25. Shilique Calhoun
    26. Sheldon Day
    27. Josh Doctson
    28. Robert Nkemdiche
    29. Laquon Treadwell
    30. Tyler Boyd
    31. Andrew Billings
    32. Cody Whitehair
    33. Hunter Henry
    34. Mackensie Alexander
    35. Corey Coleman
    36. Austin Johnson
    37. Adolphus Washington
    38. Connor Cook
    39. Artie Burns
    40. Taylor Decker
    41. Jeremy Cash
    42. Jonathan Bullard
    43. Leonte Carroo
    44. A’Shawn Robinson
    45. Kenneth Dixon
    46. Vernon Butler
    47. Darron Lee
    48. Vonn Bell
    49. Michael Thomas
    50. Eli Apple

    Let me know your thoughts.

    1. Looks good, although it’s a little curious you have CJ ranked at 10, but mocked him in the third round not long ago; > )

      1. Yep, course correction on my part. I really like him but was slow to pick up the rest of the world did too!

        1. Yea, he’s my Wilkerson if he’s serious about putting in the work to get there in a year….

          1. Bucket loads of talent, needs to be motivated and continue to improve his technique.

            1. I know Baalke wouldn’t but I was thinking about targeting him at 15 with a trade down, if it was on me….

    2. Scooter, the placing of Lee at 47 is puzzling. Most mocks have that 4.47 player going 17 to the Falcons.
      Also, it is puzzling to think that today is Saturday. Did I oversleep?

      1. See my above comments on Lee. He’s overrated imo.

        Its Saturday here in Australia.

          1. Great athlete that didn’t produce up to his athleticism. He should have been dominant given the quality around him making his job easier.

              1. Jack was far better in coverage and against the run than Lee. Much better prospect.

              2. I don’t agree with any of those opinions. They were similar in coverage and against the run. Lee had more tackles for loss.

                According to PFF, Lee’s run stop percentage was 4 in 2015, and Jack’s was 3.3 in 2014.

              3. Sorry, I was unclear, I didn’t mean in terms of standard stats. Lee wasn’t as good as Jack in coverage or as impactful against the run. He’s all athlete atm.

              4. I have the entire PFF draft guide. Their own numbers show Lee was better against the run than Jack. Jack’s run stop percentage in 2014 was 3.3. Lee’s was 4.0 in 2015.

              5. I don’t rate him as highly as many others, but accept I could be wrong about him. I was wrong on Shazier too.

    3. Nkemdiche shouldn’t be on that list. Lots of potential, but is too lazy to realize it.

  34. Players the 49ers have not met with:

    Leonard Floyd
    DeForest Buckner
    Jalen Ramsey
    Jack Conklin
    Laremy Tunsil
    Taylor Decker
    Jason Spriggs
    Ezekiel Elliott
    Vernon Hargreaves III
    Josh Doctson

      1. I’m going to assume Buckner would be in the same category as Reid. The HC knows him all too well….

    1. They didn’t meet with FS Reid before he was drafted.

  35. Telly’s mock draft:

    Assumes Jack is not at 7
    Also assumes no trades
    Methodology: Took CBS’s draft board, allowed to pick at or above our draft position

    1-7 Ronnie Stanley, OT – LT, PFF’s best pass protector, zone fit
    2-6 Chris Jones, DL – PFF’s best DL pass rusher, “Wilkerson”
    3-5 Jaylon Smith, ILB – worth the gamble
    4-7 Cardale Jones, QB – need to develop a QB
    4-35 Kevin Hogan, QB – need to develop a QB
    5-3 Evan Boehm, C – need a backup center, “iron man,” might not be zone fit, however
    5-6 Tyler Ervin, RB – Darren Sproles
    5-37 Nick Vigil, ILB – instinctive, athletic
    6-3 Brandon Allen, QB – need to develop a QB
    6-32 Joe Thuney, OT – PFF’s 5th rated OT, versatile, zone fit
    6-36 Moritz Boehringer, WR – Jack’s pick, sprechen sie deutsch?
    6-38 Ian Seau, OLB – Coffee’s pick, sleeper edge rusher

    1. Also: No edge rusher taken earlier because it might be the year for Tank and/or Eli.

    2. George, thanks for the mock. If Chris Jones fell to 37 I’d love it. Tyler Irvin would be good too. Boehringer would be a good developmental pick. Convert to H-back? (does Kelly use H-backs?)

    3. Boehringer will go sooner.
      Too many QBs. Like both Jones and Hogan, but Allen is too much. Niners would have Kaep, Gabbert, Thad Lewis and Dylan Thompson plus those 3 for 7 Qbs in camp.
      Instead of Allen, if you pick a DE like Aziz Shiltu, it would be a very solid mock.

    4. George,
      Nice mock. My only pause would be the overabundance of QB’s. Hogan is a safe pick, Cardale is intriguing but a complete enigma since losing his starting role at Ohio St. Brandon Allen is one of my draft crushes, but would be a much better fit in a WC offense.

      Stanley could be a week one starter, Chris Jones could be used in special packages, and Boehm is a burgeoning starter and could be the backup Center behind Kilgore this season. Jaylon Smith is worth a gamble and fits Baalke’ theme of taking a flier on redshirt type players.

      Love Ervin. He has Sproles written all over him. Really like Boehringrer. He has great size, speed, and catching ability. This kid reminds me a lot of Jeff Janis of the Packers (who was one of my draft crushed a couple of years ago).

      I would replace one of the QB picks with another edge-rusher. A couple of players like Carl Nassib and Bronson Kaufusi could still be on the board for us and could become productive down the road after adding more muscle and experience.

      I am not sold on Carradine. He has become the classic “tweener” player that just can’t seem to find his niche. Aaron Lynch didn’t have as much growth as expected in his second season. I would definitely look for another Edge player to bring along slowly with Chris Jones.

      1. AES and Seb, I understand the reaction to all the QBs. My reasoning was we need to develop a QB and maybe we’d hit gold with one of them. It’s true we have Thompson, and camp would be interesting. Maybe it’s totally impractical. Certainly open to both of your suggestions. I’m not sold on Carradine either, AES. Too early. But as you know he was probably the best pass rusher in his draft, so there’s reason for optimism. Also impressed by Eli’s gain in size. He was just too light IMO, and I wondered why Baalke took him. Now I guess I know. We’ll see how he does. And don’t forget Marcus Rush; he’s probably taken steps in the offseason too.

        1. Well, you finally put out a draft, and I cannot find too much at fault with it. Actually, I like it. You put a lot of thought into it. I must commend you.

  36. Today’s mock:

    Rams: Wentz
    Eagles: Goff
    Chargers: Ramsey
    Cowboys: Elliott
    Jaguars: Bosa
    Ravens: Tunsil
    Titans: Stanley
    Browns: Conklin
    Bucs: Lawson
    Giants: Floyd
    Bears: Buckner
    Saints: Rankins
    Dolphins: Lee
    Raiders: Jack
    49ers: Jackson III

    1. It would be a typical Baalke thing to “reach” for a targeted player because he’s nervous someone might grab him. (this is not a knock on Jackson).

      Every year Baalke “reaches” for a player so he can lean BPA and maneuver the rest of the draft. Usually its the first rounder. Last year it seemed like the second rounder (Tartt) was his targeted choice. That worked out well.

      I think Baalke will try to trade up 7, or 37 to secure his target. Then he will let the board “speak to him”, spending the rest of the draft snagging BPA and considering trade offers.

      1. The Niners sure seem to want a plug-and-play corner. Wouldn’t be surprised if Baalke trades back and takes William Jackson III.

        1. I didn’t know corner was high on Baalke’s priority list.

          I thought the 49ers liked their conerbacks (and receivers) more than outsiders do. Baalke seems to build safety oriented secondaries. He goes cheap on corners whether its draft or cap capital.

            1. If Ramsey fell to 4 or 5, think Baalke would make a play for him? By chart…
              7+68+142+207 should fetch pick 4
              7+105+142+145+178 should fetch pick 5

              But would the Jags or Cowboys demand above chart?

              1. B2W, I really think that the Cowboys need to draft Bosa because of the suspensions. Losing the first 4 games would doom their season, and Bosa is a good fit.
                Like the Broncos demonstrated, a strong pass rush will make the DB’s jobs a lot easier.

              2. Seb, that’s good. If its Bosa to Dallas, it means Tunsil or Ramsey at 5.

                The 49ers could dump a slew of late picks like above.
                They 49ers could trade 7+68 for the Jags 6+103+143 too.

                Again, I’m not advocating trade. Just spelling out how one might work.

              3. Ooops, I got that wrong. Should have wrote “They 49ers could trade 7+68 for the Jags 5+146 too”

                Sorry for the botch.

              4. I know your are merely surmising over different scenarios. That is why it is fun for even us mere fans to be able to speculate like GMs.
                The more I think about it, the O line is the most important need right now, especially if AD keeps getting headaches. If Tank has improved, and he has competent coaches who utilize his skills optimally, they may be able to afford passing one one of those great first round pass rushers because there is depth to the third round.
                Still think trading back with the Titans is the best strategy because at least one of Conklin, Decker or Kelly will be available at 15. Even if it goes heavy on the O line, Spriggs, Ifedi and Nick Martin should be available in the second round.

              5. Lol, I was being polite to you, not pointing out the trading of 1 spot for so much. Your new trade makes a lot more sense.

            2. Grant, I agree. Baalke went after Sean Smith hard, but was out bid by the Raiders. They need an Aqib Talib type of shutdown corner.
              Maybe they should target Sean Davis in the second round if they are fortunate to get another pick in that round.

    2. There is no chance Balke passes on Jack or Buckner if Jack is gone.. Especially to then draft Jackson at 15… There is zero logic to that.. Balke is very high on D Johnson and Acker…

      1. I have been an ardent fan of Buckner, and mocked him at 7 many times, but if Tank can reach his potential, Harold gets stronger, and IW and Dorsey get healthy, the D line is not a huge need. The O line is a dire need and ILB needs improvement. No shutdown corner has emerged and WR could use a boost if Boldin is gone.
        Still think the trade back may be the best strategy, but like Decker a lot more than a DB. Even Lawson, Lee, Floyd or Billings might be better options. Maybe take Lee and dangle him towards Atlanta, and get a first and fourth for trading him to move back 2 spots.

      1. That Norman contract looks an awful lot like the Matt Cassle contract. One good year and he breaks the bank. This time next year will tell the story. Norman just isn’t that good. Scott usually doesn’t make that mistake with talent. Maybe he’s drinking again.

      1. Thanks! What’s that old song… “what Snyder wants, Snyder gets…”

  37. What a shocker you are predicting a corner for the Niners… Man your clueless.

    1. A CB is a very likely pick pretty high this year. They’ve been after some of the top FAs and looked at a lot of CBs in the draft. If they trade down it could well be the way they go.

      1. Not in first your dead wrong scooter. Your better then that. That’s not how Balke thinks. Plus a lot of suppose interest has been blown out of proportion. Just like the interest in Norman. They were never in it. The earliest they take a corner is the third this year. We will find out soon enough come Thursday.

        1. Then expect our secondary to continue to struggle without a #1 CB.

          1. Ya a number one corner has worked out well for the jets last year.. Front 7 make your corners. Sherman benefits from a great front 7. For the love of god Carlos Rodgers was Elite when our front 7 was great. The bust Rodgers turn pro bowler. Investing in a corner with a suspect front 7 is idiotic.

            1. Now if Ramsey falls or we trade up that’s a different story. He is special.

              1. Brodie, that’s too much.. I wouldn’t. It shouldn’t cost that much.. I think there is 5 Elite players in this draft. Ramsey, Jack,Tunsil, Buckner, Bosa. You have to come away with one. Unless someone offers multiple picks to move up its not worth it. Get that blue chip prospect. Everyone is saying we have Armstead so we don’t need Buckner. That’s crazy. You continue to add top flight D lineman anytime you can. Two bookends like that would be nasty..

              2. Rebuild – It sounded like you suggested a trade-up for Ramsey. If so, what picks you you trade up for Ramsey?

              3. I think a 4th is sufficient considering we are only moving up 2 spots. Your right though they probably would want a third. Tough choice for a team that’s rebuilding.

              4. Baalke charged San Diego 4th+5th to move from 17 to 15 last year. Standard charts…

                4 – 1,800
                5 – 1,700
                6 – 1,600
                7 – 1,500
                105 – 92 (our 4th)

                I don’t see why the Jags would trade way below chart.

                I’m thinking strictly in terms of player value. A simple question…
                Can Ramsey+146 help the team win better than Buckner+68?

              5. No I would take Buckner+Jaylen Smith instead of Ramsey. That’s if I’m comfortable with smith playing in 2017..

              6. B2W,

                A couple of days ago, you analyzed the relative chart values of the trades by The Titans and Browns. I asked if you had adjusted the value of the picks in 2017 or 2018.

                That would still be interesting, but what I’m really wondering about, now, what is the standard adjustment to the value of a future pick, to bring it to present value?

              7. exgolfer – I went on Grants estimated win/loss records for the Rams and Eagles.
                The Titans got a future 19+80 (1,060).
                The Browns got a future 9+49 (1,760).

                A 700 point difference. The equivalent to a 26 overall.

                But if the Eagles and Browns went 8-8 over the next two years (not suggesting they will) the respective values would be…
                The Titans got a future 15+78 (1,250).
                The Browns got a future 15+46 (1,490).

                A 240 point difference. The equivalent to a 70 overall.

                Since estimated win/loss was by far the bigger variable, and both teams got two future picks, I didn’t even consider the linear year to year step down value. I’m sure its different, just not sure how much. Or even how it would be calculated.

                However, I like those two 2nd rounders the Titans got. Its estimated with all the underclassmen coming out, the mid 2nd has alot of good players. That has to tilt things towards the Titans (a little). A bird in the hand…

                I’m not sure what the typical next year adjustment is from a linear standpoint. I know Baalke’s done things like trade high 5th rounders for a teams future 4th. There is a step down.

                We won’t know which team got the biggest haul until after the 2017 season, but its really looking like the Browns. The Browns traded a 2 pick, valued 400 points less. The only way the Titans come close is if the Rams almost winless in 2016.

            2. Ya a number one corner has worked out well for the jets last year.. Front 7 make your corners.

              They help each other. When one is weak, the other has to double the effort, and that can lead to a defense wearing down quickly. Look no further than the Seahawks when they went to the Super Bowl and the recently crowned Broncos for teams that have/had a #1 CB to help solidify their secondary thus making the job of each team’s front seven easier to do.

              1. Yup. look at the Niners. Lack of a pass rush doomed the secondary. Bowman was a tackling machine, but they targeted him with those quick passes to the RB, so he needs help by getting a speedy ILB next to him.
                I guess another way to say it is that the whole defense needs to be solid, or they will exploit the weakness.

        2. I think the only thing that kept Baalke from taking M Peters last year, were the character issues.

          They could take a CB early.

          1. Ya cause Balke is a real stickler for those thugs LMAO….. The reason why he took a D lineman is because he believes more in the front 7 then he does the backend.

  38. I don’t mind the idea of going DL in the first round, but not with a top-ten pick in a draft filled with quality players at the position. The earliest they should draft a DL should be in the middle of the 1st round where they draft DL Nkemdiche. His off the field issues seem a bit inflated and his skills outweigh the risk, imo, anyways.

    Buckner is a talented player and i wouldn’t be overly disappointed if he was the pick, but moving back and selecting Nkemdiche while garnering another pick seems like the better option.

  39. All 32
    *denotes trade

    1. Rams – Jared Goff QB
    2. Eagles – Larmey Tunsil OT
    3. *NY Jets – Carson Wentz QB
    4. Cowboys – Joey Bosa DE
    5. Jaguars – DeForest Buckner DE
    6. *Dolphins – Ezekiel Elliott RB
    7. *Titans – Jalen Ramsey
    8. Browns – Ronnie Stanley OT
    9. Buccaneers – Andrew Billings DT
    10. Giants – Reggie Ragland ILB
    11. Bears – Vernon Hargreaves CB
    12. Saints – Leonard Floyd
    13. Ravens – Myles Jack LB
    14. *Lions – Jack Conklin OT
    15. 49ers – Eli Apple CB
    16. Raiders – Keanu Neal S
    17. Falcons – Will Fuller WR
    18. Colts – Darron Lee OLB
    19. Bills – Paxton Lynch QB
    20. Chargers – Laquon Treadwell WR
    21. Redskins – Sheldon Rankins DT
    22. Texans – Josh Doctson WR
    23. Vikings – Emmanuel Ogbah DE
    24. Bengals – Adolphus Washington DT
    25. Steelers – Kendall Fuller CB
    26. Seahawks – Germain Ifedi OT
    27. Packers – Jarran Reed DT/NT
    28. *49ers – Connor Cook QB
    29. Forfeited by Patriots
    30. Cardinals – Xavien Howard CB
    31. Panthers – Robert Nkemdiche DE
    32. Broncos – Shaq Lawson DE

    1. CFC, interesting Mock. I think the Saints will take Rankins, the Falcons will take Lee, and do not know if the Niners should take a CB when pass rush or O line is such a need.
      I assume you have the Niners trading up with KC to get another first round pick. Its a bold move, but dislike your choice. All 3 of the next choices by the Cards, Panthers and Broncos would be preferable to me
      Still, I see you have teams moving up and the Niners moving back, so it might play out this way.

  40. RAW

    I knew that if we kept after it we would find some agreement …I strongly endorse your strong statement to keep and hold top flight Dlinemen whenever you can….Ramsey is good…possibly great…I think that the CB’s that we have now can hold their own…would rather take Lawson, Lee or Floyd to keep Bowman company….

  41. Oregon, you don’t pass on Buckner unless Ramsey or Jack is there. You certainly don’t trade down and take Eli Apple.. I see that Buckner is gone at 5 in Coffees mock. Although how can you pass up on Jack Coffee?

  42. 49ers 2nd round pick, (#37 overALL): CONNOR COOK, QB, Michigan State Spartans.

    NFL Combine measurements: 6’4″ 219 lbs, 33″ arms, 9.75″ hands, 40 yard dash – 4.79 sec, 3 Cone Drill – 7.21 sec, Vertical Jump – 33″, Broad jump – 11’3″.

    Awards: 2015 – Big Ten Quarterback Of The Year, 2015 – Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Winner, 2014 – Rose Bowl MVP, 2013 – Big Ten Championship MVP, 2015 – Big Ten Championship MVP

    CONNOR COOK redshirted as a freshman and broke onto the college football scene during the last game of the 2012 season, coming off the bench in the third quarter of the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl. Trailing by 13 points, he immediately led the Spartans on a 14 play scoring drive. Cook went on to lead Michigan State to the come-from-behind bowl game victory, beating TCU 17-16. He is 3-1 overall in BCS Bowl Games, with wins in the 2012- BWWB, 2013- Rose Bowl, & 2014- Cotton Bowl. In 3 of the 4 BCS Bowl games in which Connor played in, he played fantastically, while earning one MVP (2103- Rose Bowl vs Stanford). Additionally, Cook won 2 Big Ten Championship games (2013, 2015) , while taking home MVP honors in both games.

    Connor Cook simply steps up his game and plays his best when the lights are brightest!

    Connor’s one bowl game loss was at the hands of an Alabama team that dominated Michigan State’s beat-up and injury depleted OL. Connor Cook was playing with a sprained shoulder in his throwing arm, and Alabama spent all night in the Spartans backfield, giving Conner no time to even set his feet, let alone allowing routes to develop. The Crimson Tide also dominated the ground game, not allowing any open running lanes while limiting the Spartans to 26 yards on 29 carries (net). That game was an outlier, which didn’t match Connor’s Spartan’s career for reasons likely beyond Cook’s control. However, Connor never pointed fingers and, though he played through an injury many QB’s wouldn’t have, he never made excuses for his performance.

    http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/129191/connor-cooks-final-game-didnt-match-his-spartans-career

    Some scouts have pointed to cook’s comp% as a reason for concern. However, many scouts have pointed out that playing QB for Michigan State is very different than most of these “spread” offenses college teams are running today. Additionally, Connor is a “gunslinger” and he’s got the confidence to let it rip it, and push the ball down field. His accuracy on deep (20+ yard) passes is best in this draft class at 59.4%, Additionally, he was excellent on third down with an overall grade of +16.8 tied for best in this draft class.
    The 21-30 yard range? His +15.4 grade at that distance is best in this draft class. As Gruden pointed out, the rare use of screens and checkdowns effect comp%. And despite his high-risk, high-reward style, he did a good job, by and large, protecting his receivers while avoiding INT’s and costly turnovers..

    JON GRUDEN: “I love the system of football that this kid comes from. What stands out the most is his experience. He’s mature; he’s a fifth-year senior. He’s been in a pro-style system. He’s got size and athleticism, and he’s willing to be a gunslinger and make some aggressive throws down the field. This kid isn’t completing bubble screens and quick screens; he goes after you down the field. He’s got NFL talent. He’s not completing a bunch of pop screens and bubble screens and quick screens like all these other quarterbacks. He’s coming out of the huddle and he’s ripping it down the field.”He’s gonna be I think perhaps the best quarterback in this year’s draft.

    http://btn.com/2016/04/08/gruden-calls-cook-perhaps-the-best-quarterback-in-this-years-draft/#sthash.yPcjDzT8.dpuf

    *Gruden added that he believes Cook would be a “great pick for the 49ers.”

    Matt Waldman: “This morning’s film room session is an hour-long look at Connor Cook, a technically refined quarterback prospect who throws the ball with confidence, demonstrates feel for the pocket, and he currently has that aggressive mindset that you want to see from an NFL passer. Cook is notorious in this draft class for his bravado and Cook’s arm is capable of completing pretty much any throw in the NFL playbook.”

    Matt Waldman likens Cook to “a jewel thief that sneaks into your bedroom to steal the ring off your wife’s finger while you’re sleeping.”

    PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS: Connor Cook 34-5 career record in games started in the Big Ten, with 5 wins VS top 10 opponents. Cook posted two of the top grades (FBS Division 1-A) of the 2015 season in games against Rutgers and Indiana.

    PFF – Pro fit: Backup QB initially, but can win games as a starter.

    • The highest accuracy percentage on passes that were thrown into “tight” coverage
    • Can get quickly get to his second read and hit open receivers
    • Excellent escapability & very quick release
    • Creative playmaker whose best plays feel like a quick reads, and/or adjustments
    • Accuracy percentage on deep (20+ yard) passes was best in this draft class at 59.4%
    • Was excellent on third down. Overall grade of +16.8 tied for best in this draft class
    • Outstanding in the 21-30 yard range. His +15.4 grade best in this draft class

    There are a lot of things to like with Connor Cook’s game. His skill set on the field, has most scouts excited, and his arm talent, athleticism, escapability, and advanced read and react skills have him rated as the consensus #4 QB in this draft class despite the concerns over his leadership. He is perhaps the most pro-ready QB in this year’s class.

    However, there have been questions about Cook’s personality & leadership swirling around draft circles.

    Here is what SLATE.COM had to say on the subject: “The NFL’s Tradition of Anonymous Draft Slander Has Reached a Bizarre New Low”

    “God save the aspiring QB who is said to have character issues, a vague but unmistakably disparaging phrase used by often-anonymous NFL sources in mud-slinging pre-draft profiles. It’s a label that can mean almost anything (and be based on nothing but rumors), but one that can stick to a player for his entire career. That’s even true in the case of Cam Newton—“has a fake smile, comes off as very scripted and has a selfish, me-first makeup,” wrote scout/troll Nolan Nawrocki about Newton in a 2011 critique that was echoed repeatedly this past season even as the Panthers star led his team to Super Bowl 50, while winning the NFL’s Most Valuable Player Award.”

    “This year, Michigan State’s Connor Cook is the quarterback getting showered with all the red flags. Cook is the real deal: He’s big, he has a strong arm, and he performed very well under pressure during three years as a starter for a top college team. But there’s something wrong with him, apparently. I can’t tell you what it is, because I genuinely don’t know—and this despite the fact that I’m a lifelong Michigan fan who generally vacuums up dirt about Spartans’ off-field misbehavior. The anonymous scouts and executives who spoke to USA Today for a bizarre/appalling April 21 story about Cook didn’t hesitate to say they had misgivings, though. They just can’t quite articulate what they are.”

    “Even Nawrocki’s attack on Cam Newton named specific alleged faults: Newton was supposedly likely to fail because he was a selfish liar who always played to the cameras. That’s a hyperbolic, obnoxious claim, but at least it’s a specific one, something that a player can try to refute. There’s nothing Connor Cook can say or do to prove his bona fides to USA Today and the anonymous cowards of the NFL, because nobody’s told him what he’s done wrong.”

    And that’s a real shame!

    Go get em Trent!

  43. We dont have to trade back cuz we need a impact player cuz there is to much dropoff after our pick or maybe sooner, this is the year to trade up some spots to get Jack,Tunsil or maybe Goff if he’s not picked.
    We need quality not quantity.

    1. I beg to differ. Many pundits say that there is quality all the way into the third round. Maybe the best strategy is to accumulate picks in the first 3 rounds by trading back, and bundling later picks to move up.
      Another strategy may be to bundle players that fit another teams’ multiple needs and trade them for a second or third round pick. Those players should not be critical to the Niners like Bethea, Miller, Patton, Thomas, Lemonier, Devey or Pears.

        1. If Buckner is at 7, he would be very tempting. However, trading back is a shrewd strategy because the more players they lock up with rookie contracts, the better they will be set for the future. Also, with the wild QB derby, maybe some really good players will fall to the second or third round.
          I also believe the Ravens will select Buckner, since he would fill a huge need for them.

  44. Question on Jaylon Smith. Since his draft position is dropping precipitously, can’t he forgo entering this year’s draft and wait until next year. If he’s fully healed, he’ll be drafted in the first round and receive substantially higher income. I guess the risk is that if he doesn’t heal fully and is not drafted in 2017, he’ll miss out on a middle round NFL player income for at least a year. OTOH, some team might still give him a shot in 2017 under this scenario.

    1. It would be better for Smith to get drafted this year so that he can get on the field faster.

  45. On Rotoworld:

    “USA Today’s Tom Pelissero reports teams are “uneasy” about drafting Michigan State QB Connor Cook.

    This falls in line with previous comments on Cook’s character. “There’s something off,” an NFL quarterbacks coach said. “You just don’t trust him.” A GM for a different team added there’s “something missing with him.” None of this is new for Cook, but it’s clear there’s a lot of concern with him in league circles. Cook looks headed for a draft day fall. “

    1. Here is what Slate.com had to say on this subject.

      SLATE.COM: “The NFL’s Tradition of Anonymous Draft Slander Has Reached a Bizarre New Low”

      “God save the aspiring QB who is said to have character issues, a vague but unmistakably disparaging phrase used by often-anonymous NFL sources in mud-slinging pre-draft profiles. It’s a label that can mean almost anything (and be based on nothing but rumors), but one that can stick to a player for his entire career. That’s even true in the case of Cam Newton—“has a fake smile, comes off as very scripted and has a selfish, me-first makeup,” wrote scout/troll Nolan Nawrocki about Newton in a 2011 critique that was echoed repeatedly this past season even as the Panthers star led his team to Super Bowl 50, while winning the NFL’s Most Valuable Player Award.”

      “This year, Michigan State’s Connor Cook is the quarterback getting showered with all the red flags. Cook is the real deal: He’s big, he has a strong arm, and he performed very well under pressure during three years as a starter for a top college team. But there’s something wrong with him, apparently. I can’t tell you what it is, because I genuinely don’t know—and this despite the fact that I’m a lifelong Michigan fan who generally vacuums up dirt about Spartans’ off-field misbehavior. The anonymous scouts and executives who spoke to USA Today for a bizarre/appalling April 21 story about Cook didn’t hesitate to say they had misgivings, though. They just can’t quite articulate what they are.”

      “Even Nawrocki’s attack on Cam Newton named specific alleged faults: Newton was supposedly likely to fail because he was a selfish liar who always played to the cameras. That’s a hyperbolic, obnoxious claim, but at least it’s a specific one, something that a player can try to refute. There’s nothing Connor Cook can say or do to prove his bona fides to USA Today and the anonymous cowards of the NFL, because nobody’s told him what he’s done wrong.”

      And that’s a real shame!

      1. So then what has CONNOR COOK done right you say?

        Awards: 2015 – Big Ten Quarterback Of The Year, 2015 – Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Winner, 2014 – Rose Bowl MVP, 2013 – Big Ten Championship MVP, 2015 – Big Ten Championship MVP

        Cook redshirted as a freshman and broke onto the college football scene during the last game of the 2012 season, coming off the bench in the third quarter of the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl. Trailing by 13 points, he immediately led the Spartans on a 14 play scoring drive. Cook went on to lead Michigan State to the come-from-behind bowl game victory, beating TCU 17-16. He is 3-1 overall in BCS Bowl Games, with wins in the 2012- BWWB, 2013- Rose Bowl, & 2014- Cotton Bowl. In 3 of the 4 BCS Bowl games Connor played in he played fantastically, while earning one MVP (2103- Rose Bowl vs Stanford). Additionally, Cook won 2 Big Ten Championship games (2013, 2015) , while taking home MVP honors in both games.

        Connor Cook simply steps up his game and plays his best when the lights are brightest!

        Connor’s one bowl game loss was at the hands of an Alabama team that dominated Michigan State’s beat-up and injury depleted OL. Connor Cook was playing with a sprained shoulder in his throwing arm, and Alabama spent all night in the Spartans backfield, giving Conner no time to even set his feet, let alone allowing routes to develop. The Crimson Tide also dominated the ground game, not allowing any open running lanes while limiting the Spartans to 26 yards on 29 carries (net). That game was an outlier, which didn’t match Connor’s Spartan’s career for reasons likely beyond Cook’s control. However, Connor never pointed fingers and, though he played through an injury many QB’s wouldn’t have, he never made excuses for his performance.

        Here is ESPN’s take on that loss: The loss to Alabama will tarnish the memory of Michigan State’s 2015 season, but it shouldn’t do the same to Cook, an unexpected star who was at the center of an unexpected rise in East Lansing. One night shouldn’t change that. Cook embodied the prove-them-wrong identity of the Spartans as much as any other individual in the program, and his fingerprints will remain on whatever comes next.

        http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/129191/connor-cooks-final-game-didnt-match-his-spartans-career

      1. This is for you Seb

        MATT WALDMAN: “This morning’s film room session is an hour-long look at Connor Cook, a technically refined quarterback prospect who throws the ball with confidence, demonstrates feel for the pocket, and he currently has that aggressive mindset that you want to see from an NFL passer. Cook is notorious in this draft class for his bravado and Cook’s arm is capable of completing pretty much any throw in the NFL playbook.”

        Matt Waldman likens Cook to “a jewel thief that sneaks into your bedroom to steal the ring off your wife’s finger while you’re sleeping.”

        PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS: Connor Cook 34-5 career record in games started in the Big Ten, with 5 wins VS top 10 opponents. Cook posted two of the top grades (FBS Division 1-A) of the 2015 season in games against Rutgers and Indiana.

        PFF – Pro fit: Backup QB initially, but can win games as a starter.

        • The highest accuracy percentage on passes that were thrown into “tight” coverage
        • Can quickly get to his second read and hit open receivers
        • Excellent escapability & very quick release
        • Creative playmaker whose best plays feel like a quick reads, and/or adjustments
        • Accuracy percentage on deep (20+ yard) passes was best in this draft class at 59.4%
        • Was excellent on third down. Overall grade of +16.8 tied for best in this draft class
        • Outstanding in the 21-30 yard range. His +15.4 grade best in this draft class

        1. This is for you, 49:

          “Let’s put it this way: he’s not Kirk Cousins,” another scout said. “The person kills him. Selfish. He goes out too much. It’s a tell-tale sign when your teammates don’t like you, and I know they don’t. He’s good, but that position is more than physical attributes. It’s also leadership. Is he going to lead your guys? I don’t think so. He’ll be a starter but I don’t think he can lead you to the promised land.” Fifth-year senior from Hinckley, Ohio. Passer rating was 95.2, Wonderlic was 25. “He stinks,” a third scout said. “Wildly inaccurate (57.5% career). Average arm, average mobility, average field vision. Not a leader. Not aware. Someone will take him in the second, third or fourth round and he’s going to disappoint. The owner needs to fire the GM right after they pick him if someone takes him in the first.”

          http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/rating-the-nfl-draft-prospects-quarterbacks-b99704527z1-376408321.html

          1. “The owner needs to fire the GM right after they pick him if someone takes him in the first.”

            Then let’s hope my mock and that statement are true.

          2. If he sneaks into my wife’s bed to steal her ring, I would want to take a bat to him….
            This is a disturbing analogy.

          3. My Rebuttal for you Grant (yet again, lol):

            Passer rating was 95.2? He simply plays his best football when the lights are brightest! Career 139.8 QB Rating at Michigan State. Cook left MSU as the program’s winningest quarterback.

            No matter what you do on the field, your legacy is dependent on one thing and that’s wins. Connor Cook has only been a part of 5 games in which he did not win!

            Wildly inaccurate (57.5% career)?

            Per PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS: Cooks accuracy percentage on deep (20+ yard) passes was best in this draft class at 59.4%. Outstanding in the 21-30 yard range. His +15.4 grade is best in this draft class. Was excellent on third down. Overall grade of +16.8 tied for best in this draft class. His 128.6 when blitzed was tied for 2nd best in this class. Also, Cook threw 16 touchdowns and only one interception when blitzed.

            A lot of analysts have pointed to cook’s comp% as a reason for concern. However, many scouts have pointed out that playing QB for Michigan State is very different than most of these “spread” offenses college teams are running today. Additionally, Connor is a “gunslinger” and he’s got the confidence to let it rip it, and push the ball down field. These are things that affect your comp%. Despite his high-risk, high-reward style, he did a good job, by and large, protecting his receivers while avoiding INT’s and costly turnovers.

            JON GRUDEN: “I love the system of football that this kid comes from. He’s not completing a bunch of pop screens and bubble screens and quick screens like all these other quarterbacks. He’s coming out of the huddle and he’s ripping it down the field.”

            *Gruden added that he believes Cook is the #1 quarterback prospect in this draft class (while seemingly alluding to some surprise Connor isn’t the number 1 pick overall) and would be a “great pick for the 49ers.”

            Michigan State Offensive Coordinator DAVE WARNER, comparing Cook to Cousins (and Hoyer): “Along with those other quarterbacks we’ve had here, Connor was as hard of a critic about his game as anybody (sic. maybe the hardest). In practice, he was almost over the edge. He’d get pissed off, and we needed to calm him down after he made a throw that wasn’t as accurate as he wanted or missed the right read.”

            “Whether he walked out to midfield before the game (as team captain) or not. He was our vocal leader and led by the way he played.”

            “Connor, fell more into the gunslinger mode. If you look at it statistically, our running backs didn’t have a lot of catches. We don’t throw the bubbles, chokes or quick high-percentage passes as spread offenses do.The majority of his throws were down the field. He didn’t drop the ball to the running backs. He threw down the seams, where he needed to throw receivers open and anticipate windows. He was very confident in his arm and being able to do so. It showed for three years. Those other guys (Cousins, Hoyer) were a little bit more meticulous and not as risky with the throws and decisions they made. That’s the main thing when differentiating between them. Connor will take some chances. More often than not, they paid off.”

            Take away the bogus character issues, and misleading comp%, Connor Cook is in line with Goff and Wentz, as the top 3 QB’s of this draft class, without question.

              1. Not sure what you mean MWD?

                Yes, I am a Connor Cook fan. Too much of a fan boy?
                Why, because I have defended him?

                I’m only speaking facts MWD. The fact is, you don’t go 34-5 as a starter in the Big Ten if you aren’t a good QB. And PFF’s downfield passing grades speak for themselves.

                The kid is a gamer. Plays through Injuries, and loves to let it rip. What’s not to like?

              2. You boast all of the positives while ignoring or glossing over the negatives. That’s the very definition of a fan boy.

            1. He simply plays his best football when the lights are brightest!

              You mean when the pocket is biggest.

              1. Grant, you must have seen me play basketball in a previous life. I was great when the pocket was biggest. ;-}

        2. 49, I conceded to you that Cook may now be taken in the second round, when previously I mentioned him falling to the third round.
          Just do not keep saying he is an elite passer. He is mediocre, to me.

          1. Seb, you have a right to your opinion.

            However, once again, I question the way you analyse things. You have apparently taken things out of context. Matt Waldman prefaced his analogy with this:

            “Connor Cook is a technically refined quarterback prospect who throws the ball with confidence, demonstrates feel for the pocket, and he currently has that aggressive mindset that you want to see from an NFL passer. Cook is notorious in this draft class for his bravado and Cook’s arm is capable of completing pretty much any throw in the NFL playbook.”

            His “a jewel thief that sneaks into your bedroom to steal the ring off your wife’s finger while you’re sleeping” analogy was obviously a light hearted compliment. The fact that you cannot interpret this as such, is troubling, IMO.

            1. 49, I had a little play on words, A RINGing endorsement. ;p
              Sorry, I am protective of my wife. Anyone who touches her better be ready for a rumble.

            2. 49, you should be careful with your vocabulary.
              When you quote that Cook is notorious, that may be interpreted in many ways.

              1. 49, you obviously are not married. Stealing my wife’s wedding ring would be tantamount to the end of the world to her.
                I am a firm believer in the adage,- Happy wife for a happy life.
                You still do not see the inappropriateness of his analogy. Stealing someones wife’s wedding ring is so far out of bounds, it should never be brought up in any football conversation. To associate any QB with that analogy is deprecating to him, just like calling him notorious.

  46. Latest NFL mock draft: Goff to Rams, Stanley to 49ers

    Two of the three analysts believe Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley is bound for San Francisco, deforest buckener by the 3rd.

    “When they were winning they had a great offensive line,” Casserly notes of Stanley. “(GM) Trent Baalke believes in having a strong OL.”

    From Mercury News
    Posted: 04/21/2016 06:10:45 AM PDT | Updated: 2 days ago

    More 49ers news

    •Sorting through 49ers’ QB options: Gabbert, Kaepernick or ?

    •Cornerback Josh Norman bypasses 49ers, strikes it rich in Washington

    Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: Tackle Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame

    Stanley can start immediately at right tackle and is a good fit in Chip Kelly’s offense.

  47. Peter Schrager ‏@PSchrags 1m1 minute ago
    If you’re a Cowherd listener, you’ll appreciate @gregcosell , the meat sandwich, doing a full breakdown of Goff and Wentz. Airs at 230 EST.

    This will be interesting to hear. Not a Cowherd fan.

    1. Not a fan of either of them, but Cossell has been nailing his evaluations here of late.

  48. Trade scenario thought.

    49ers send Kaepernick and #37 to the Donkey’s for #31 and #157. The 49ers pick a QB with #31.

      1. Doesnt want to pay Kaepernick. He’s under contract and has made it clear he isn’t interested in taking a huge haircut.

      2. If the 49ers do intend on drafting a QB then it behooves them not to do a deal until the day of the draft. If they swap picks now it betrays their intentions and opens them up the possibility of someone jumping in front of them.

        Kaepernick didn’t go to Denver and spend all that time there skiing. I’m confident that a deal is already in place and that we’ll see it go down next Thursday.

        1. Words like “fluidity” and “dormant” seem to signal that could be the case….

        2. I don’t think the trade is going to happen. Kaps not interested in a sizable pay cut and the Niners are probably out of the QB biz until late in the draft. I think he’s sticking around.

      3. I would make that deal. We might end up eating the difference in pay, but that would be better than dressing him as a backup IMO.

    1. Trade 37 and what ever else that guarantees you to pick ahead of Denver and they’d still need kap but you’d get something in return

  49. OK, it is 5 days to the draft and I will postulate another obligatory multi player deal.
    Please ignore this if you are offended by the thought of trading away players to get into the sweet spot of the draft.
    Niners should first assess the roster and select players who are talented, but may not fit into the Chip Kelly scheme. Of course, Bruce Miller is expendable, since Chip does not use fullbacks. Maybe select players who have not done well and could possibly thrive in another system like Corey Lemonier, and Brandon Thomas. The Niners have speedy DBs, so the third stringers should be used as trade bait like Marcus Cromartie and Chris Davis. Older players should be included like Pears, Bethea and Simpson. Thad Lewis, Dylan Thompson, Mike Davis, Dujuan Harris, Shaun Draughn, Diandre Campbell, Dres Anderson, Kendall Gaskins and Kaleb Ramsey should be considered. Starters like Vance Macdonald, Quinton Patton and Marcus Martin should be used to help trade up.
    That pool of 20 players should be offered as trade bait, to be bundled to get as high as a pick as possible. The Niners should allow their trade partners to pick who they want, and get a higher pick, the more players they get. 2 to 3 players may garner a third. 3 to 4 players may garner a second. 4 to 5 players may garner a first. It all depends on who they choose. Of course, the Niners should refuse the deal if it is too advantageous to the other team, and they should stipulate that the players come from different positions so one team cannot grab all the OL, DBs or RBs.
    The Niners should target teams like the Titans and Browns who have lots of picks, and teams like San Diego, Jax, Indy, Atlanta and the Saints who need bodies. They may also trade players for players.
    Maybe Baalke should go bold and offer Brandon Thomas, Corey Lemonier, Mike Davis and Shaun Draughn for Frank Gore.
    San Diego may give up their second pick for Vance Macdonald, Marcus Martin and Antoine Bethea.
    Only a few trades may be necessary, so losing all those players may not occur, but I want the Niners to thin out their roster and leave open at least 4 spots. The Niners should use the openings to ninja at least 2 players who playoff teams cut to get down to their final 53. They should also poach at least 2 players from a playoff team’s practice squads to weaken their opponents and gain intel from the other team. Target Denver, Seattle, Arizona and Carolina.
    Coupled with trading back, I hope the Niners get at least 7 picks in the first 3 rounds. Bundling later picks to move up may also be employed.
    If the Niners employ all those strategies, they may establish a solid core to rebuild the roster and propel them back to the playoffs within a couple years.

    1. A pool of 20 players? Idiotic!

      Complete fantasy. The thoughts of someone who has no understanding of the inner workings of an NFL team!

      1. 49, oh I understand all too well the inner workings of the 49ers, and am totally disgusted by it. The leaks, smears, self inflicted wounds and lack of class just make me grind my teeth.
        You obviously think that cutting a player on the team bus is what every championship team does.

      1. I love Frank Gore, and hopes he retires as a Niner. He is way more durable than Hyde and would fit well as a change of pace back. Frank Gore can do it all, and the Colts said they want to get younger.

        1. 4 players for a 33 year old running back the 49ers just cast off? A RB I might add, who is well past his prime, coming off the worst season of his career @ 3.7 Yards per carry, and 4 fumbles?

          People, is this the kind of intellect we need on this forum? Can somebody please explain to Sebnynah that a 33 old RB has next to ZERO value in the NFL, because at this age, their play always deteriorates at a very fast rate?

          Any GM willing to trade 4 players for a 33 year old RB whom he cast off the prior season would be ridiculed beyond belief, run out of town, and he would lose every ounce of respect he ever had around the league.

          1. 49, I want Frank Gore because of his veteran leadership, something that was sorely lacking last year. he will also be a future Hall of Famer and has worth, even at his age.
            Most importantly, he would be able to retire as a Niner.
            Baalke already has lost all respect, so why not go bold?

  50. I am not a fan of all the speculation and potential trades associated with the draft. For me, I am anxiously awaiting the draft results and the wealth of information that will accompany those selected to join this organization.

    Perhaps I am a little bitter that the team has been dormant when improvement could have been made in Free Agency. I am resigned to the realization that the team is rebuilding. They are rebuilding with a less than capable GM. That same GM took a punter in the 5th round. So, I am left wondering, would more picks be any more helpful?

    I, for one, anticipate the excuse that more picks generates. Time. The organization can hide behind the excuse that it takes 2-3 years for draft picks to materialize. So, this allows the organization to continue with its putrid product for another 3 years of Baalke misfires whether he is present or not. Then, the fan base is left with another 2-3 years of rebuilding as the ship’s course is corrected.

    No, please don’t give this misfiring GM more bullets to sink this draft. Acquire picks for the following year so that his replacement can start fixing the organization sooner rather than later.

    1. Matt, I admit this is idle speculation during the off season.
      It is easy to criticize this GM, in fact, I have eviscerated him many times.
      However, I want this team to win, so I am just throwing out suggestions to help him and the Niners to succeed. Of course, they will probably ignore my advice.
      Gosh, how I would love to see Chip take this team back to the playoffs, and would shower Baalke with praise if that did happen. However, I am also pragmatic and see another losing season. Maybe the silver lining of another 5-11 season is to see Baalke get fired. Maybe they will tank and Jed would be held accountable.
      One can only hope.

      1. True Seb. I didn’t mean to detour anyone or criticize any posts about trades. I was just venting my own frustration selfishly.

        The real fun will come when the results are final and we get to go back and see whose ideas were closest.

        It seems like it’s been two years since football season as last year the team wasn’t even remotely serious. Maybe I need a snickers.

        1. No problemo. Believe me, your criticism was very mild. I usually expect some one questioning my IQ or upbringing, along with some expletives. LOL ;p.

  51. For some idle Saturday speculation, what I think will happen Thursday in order of probabilities

    Buckner at 7 – 30%
    Trade back – 30%
    Stanley at 7 – 15%
    Trade up – 10%
    Lee at 7 – 10%
    Other – 5%

    1. Correction… I meant

      Buckner at 7 – 30%
      Trade back – 30%
      Stanley at 7 – 15%
      Trade up – 10%
      Jack at 7 – 10%
      Other – 5%

      1. I think the % for Buckner is much lower. Like Grant, I think Stanley is more likely for immediate needs (not that I agree with that selection though). I would drop Buckner to under 10% and introduce trading back at 20%. I would also drop trading up to less than 5% or place it in other.

        Stanley (or OT)-35%
        Trade back-25%
        Vernon Hargreaves -15%
        Jack at 7-10%
        Buckner-5%
        Trade up-5%
        Other 5%

    2. I like it. I’d switch the probabilities for Stanley and Buckner, though. I think Baalke envisions Armstead and Carradine starting at DT in Nickel.

      1. Wouldn’t be smart to depend on a vision. I think Baalke would be wise to take Buckner over Stanley, and grab a player like Beavers later on….

        1. My preference if Jack, Tunsil, Bosa, Ramsey were gone…
          1) Trade back with Titans for their 2nd rounder
          2) Buckner
          3) Stanley

          I’d be OK with all those results.

          1. I’d agree with that approach. I expect it to start with the Chargers and Ramsey, Cowboys with Bosa, Jags and Jack, Ravens grab Tunsil….

      2. Could be Stanley. If (a big if) he improves his strength vs bull rush he’ll be an outstanding pick.

        I’m just spooked by Marcus Martin. Great feet and agility for a man his size, but turned out to be a literal push-over .

        I’m getting Tank is now envisioned as a nickle specialist, but I was thinking they put him inside. Are you thinking 3-tech pass rusher specifically? (if I’m getting my terminology right). If so that’s the role many would use Bosa in certain situations.

  52. Tank is down to 260 pounds. There transitioning him to more of an outside LB/slash DE in nickel.. He is not playing DT.. Where do you come up with this stuff.

    1. Baalke: “He is a 5-technique, slide him into 3-technique, hand in the dirt, rush the passer. We’ve talked with the new staff extensively on Tank. Tank is down to 273 I think, somewhere in that neighborhood.”

      5-technique in base, 3-technique in sub. 3-tech is DT. 273 is not 260.

      1. Grant.. I thought Balkee made this statement stating he wanted tank to be more of a pass rusher because he couldn’t handle the everyday grind of the 293 pound OT’s. But I could be guessing wrong.

        1. He will be more of a pass-rusher, but will continue to rush from the interior, just at a lighter weight.

      2. Grant, you already answered my question of a few minutes ago. Thanks.

        That’s a nice way to deploy Tank. Depending on matchups, it could be Harold or Tank rotating opposite Lynch.

        I really wish there was a (full) audio of Baalke’s press conference. You pasted the transcript (thanks) but I want to hear that horse voice. Things can be lost in translation.

    2. Advice from Bill Walsh should be headed by my arrogant–Baalke. TomD

      However, over the last few seasons, Baalke has shown a marked diffidence with regard to maintaining his current position. He undermines coaches (“somewhere in there he said we’re going to run the football”), displays obsequious behavior toward his boss. Drafting Against Baalke’s Grain

      April 23, 2016 at 10:32 AM • 2 comments

      By D.C. Owens

      The 49ers GM, Baalke, made a statement when asked about his 3/4 defense, stating that its employed only 30% of the time compared to the 4/3 which the 49ers use at a rate of 70% .
      Because of that statement I believe Baalke is hiding his attempt to draft an elite pass rusher that fits his 3/4–Shaq Lawson, Clemson.

      Lombardi: Six Draft Philosophies Learned From Bill Walsh
      http://www.sportsxchange.com/DS97/walsh/walsh2.htm

  53. Now that the Browns are talking about grabbing Elliot, the trade back to the Bears should be considered because they lost their RB Forte and his replacements are mediocre.
    Niners should trade the 7th pick for the Bears first and second round picks. Then they can trade back to the Titans for their first and second round picks.
    They will miss out on Jack or Buckner, but gaining 2 additional second round picks would be worth it for moving back 8 spots.

    1. What up Seb… I know people are loving Elliot, but my man Derek Henry isn’t getting any love at all. I I were the bears ID trade back and grab Henry. That man is a beast. Marshawn Lynch like!

          1. Steel,

            Not really, from the tape I watched. IMO, he’s a zero cut runner on many of his good runs. In other words, he takes the hand off and doesn’t change direction. He just rumbles through a gaping hole at the LOS. Sometimes he makes a cut like an ocean liner and hits the hole, but if there is a defender in the hole and he’s not up to speed and can’t run over them, he’s going down, most of the time.

            1. Check out Greg Cosell’s comments on Henry (he agrees with me, big surprise, since I’m recommending you listen to them…).

              Also see, ESPN NFL Matchup Draft Special, they break down Henry on one of their episodes.

      1. Hey Steele, glad to see your input, but I have a feeling that Henry may be another Trent Richardson. Big Bama back who had road graders in front of him.
        If the Bears miss out on Elliot, they could always wait and select Henry, Alex Collins, Devontae Booker, Kenyan Drake, Paul Perkins, Tyler Ervin, Jordan Howard or CJ Prosise.
        Henry may last until the second round. I admit he was productive, but you could probably have run behind those behemoths and gained yards.
        I would say that Devontae Booker or Jordan Howard reminds me more of Lynch than Henry.

          1. I actually thought that Kenyan Drake was the better RB at Bama.
            However, they fed Henry the ball to get the Heisman

          1. I originally mocked him with the second round selection, but I don’t think he makes it out of the first now….

    2. But why trade back if you can get an elite prospect at 7.. The rams and eagles made sure of that. We will have an elite talent at 7. Why keep moving back to get extra 2nd round and 3rd round guys. We might end up with 2 starters, but you can’t replace elite.. And if we can get an von Miller (Joey Boss) Or Orlando Pace(Tunsil, or Stanley) or Charles Woodson (Jalen Ramsey), or even another Bryant young(Buckner). We can get one of these guys so in my opinion trading back doesn’t help us, since we already have 12 picks. Now packaging to trade back into round 1, is something I could agree to. Just my opinion.

      1. It really depends on your evaluation of the draft. I think that there is starting quality deep into the third round.
        At 41, the Bears pick, you could possibly select Ryan Kelly, Jason Spriggs, Bronson Kaufusi, Shon Coleman, Artie Burns, Michael Thomas, Su’a Cravens, Carl Nassib, Kenny Clark or Kentrell Brothers.
        At 76, with the Titans pick, you could possibly select John Theus, Kenneth Dixon, Charles Tapper, Kelverae Russell, Joshua Perry, Kyler Fackrell or Germain Ifedi.
        2 of those players for moving back 8 spots.

    3. Trade charts show those trades would garner roughly two 3rd round picks. Not even close to two 2nd round picks.

      If you want an two 2nd rounders try
      7 for the Titans 15+43 (Titans choose Stanley)
      15+105 for the Jets 20+51 (Jets choose a QB)

      Leaving the 49ers with picks 20, 37, 43, 51, 68 in the first two days. All trades close to chart, with (hopefully) plausible motivations for Titans and Jets.

      1. B2W, yes, if you go by the trade value chart, but when the Rams trade up 14 spots for 6 picks and the Eagles moved up 6 spots for 5 picks, they blew up the chart and made it irrelevant, or at least skewed.

        1. The Rams trade up was almost exact chart.

          I’m not sure what the Eagles were thinking. Maybe the just offered the Browns what they were offering the Titans (but got turned down). Its different at the very top of the draft and quarterbacks.

          Most trades conducted in the ranges you specified are close to chart. Its almost unheard of to go a full round over chart (2nd instead of 3rd).

          Who are the Bears going after to go a full round over chart?

          1. B2W, I stand corrected if you say that the trade value chart is even for the Rams trade, but you and I cannot figure out how much those future picks will be worth until after next season.

      2. B2W, I agree, that may be the more logical scenario, but with all these blockbuster deals, anything is possible. Guess we will see how much the Bears covet Elliot.
        The Titan deal works out if the Bears deal falls through, but I am greedy and hope the Niners get a first, second and third from the Titans for the 7th pick.
        I think the trade back to the Jets is workable, too.

  54. Another corner being overlooked…. Xavien Howard. He’s not even being mentioned. As they say, proof is in the pudding, 4.4 40, 38 1/2in vertical, 5 interceptions last year, 10 break ups. He’s not a 1st rounder but if we sneak him in in round 2 or 3, could be a steal

      1. I would as well. Only hoping because not to many analyst are talking about him.

        1. Three more players that would surprise me if they were still on the board in the 3rd round. Deion Jones, Austin Johnson and Leonte Carroo….

  55. 49ers to trade out of # 7:

    The 49ers need help most at cornerback, offensive line, defensive line and linebacker. That’s convenient, given they’re the positions those prospects play, respectively.

    since the 49ers now pick in front of the quarterback-needy Browns, they can play more on the desperation of someone like the Jets, who at No. 20 might want to secure Paxton Lynch. Pick Nos. 3-5 don’t wield the same power. The 49ers are more free-wheeling because they no longer are hoping for Goff or Wentz.

    http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl-news/4702948-49ers-draft-picks-selections-trent-baalke-chip-kelly-san-francisco

  56. Re Jaylon Smith: USA Today thru Rotoworld:

    “As of now, however, Smith can neither raise his foot nor swing it out to the side, and it is not a given he gets those abilities back. A top-10 talent, Smith is likely looking at a Day 3 selection.”

    1. If he’s there in the 6th, I’d take a shot. Personally, I doubt he ever sees the field again and if he does, it will be a shell of his former self….

      1. With 12 picks, I bet Baalke uses a 4th or 5th round pick for him. It would be a typical Baalke move.

  57. Su’a Cravens, Austin Johnson, Joshua Garnett, Xavien Howard, Charles Tapper, Javon Hargrave and Kelvelrae Russell are all moving up the Draftek board.
    Shilique Calhoun is falling.

  58. Jets, Browns, Broncos all could look to move up for quarterback.

    By David Fucillo  @davidfucillo on Apr 23, 2016, 1:32p 50

    Paxton Lynch is currently the quarterback of choice among mock drafters now that Jared Goff and Carson Wentz appear likely off the board in the top two spots. Will someone move up for him?

  59. Hot 100: Laremy Tunsil is top prospect in 2016 NFL Draft

    By Gil Brandt
    NFL Media senior analyst
    Published: April 18, 2016 at 01:08 p.m.
    Updated: April 21, 2016 at 02:31 p.m.

    20. Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
    Lynch (6-6 5/8, 244, 4.86 40) started 38 games and finished with a 22-16 record. Watch Memphis’ upset of Ole Miss for the best of Lynch; watch the game against Auburn in the Birmingham Bowl for his worst. Lynch did well at Memphis’ pro day. He has a strong arm, is a good athlete, and might need some time to develop. Lynch does have a chance to be special.

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