Maiocco's seven-round 49ers mock: What's next after QB?
The 49ers’ successes in free agency have set up a draft in which the organization can go a lot of different ways with their scheduled nine picks.The 49ers re-signed left tackle Trent Williams and added veteran center Alex Mack for the offensive line.The 49ers lost Kerry Hyder and Solomon Thomas in free agency. But they re-signed D.J. Jones, and acquiredSamson Ebukam, Zach Kerr, Maurice Hurst and Arden Key to strengthen the defensive line.Defensive backs Jason Verrett, K’Waun Williams and Jaquiski Tartt all re-signed with one-year contracts.After addressing the obvious position of quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick, the 49ers can identify players for specific roles and backup jobs during the draft.Here is a look at how things could shake out for the 49ers on Thursday, Friday and Saturday:
Although most of the talk has centered around Jones with this pick, there could still be a chance Trey Lance is the call here.
There is little denying Jones’ timing, anticipation and accuracy — especially, the accuracy — are the skills that are attractive to coach Kyle Shanahan.
General manager John Lynch has control over the draft, but he said it is only wise for him to defer to Shanahan when it comes to picking the quarterback he wants to run his system.
The 49ers have their two starting cornerbacks with Verrett and Emmanuel Moseley. The 49ers need more quality depth, because this is a position that is difficult to keep the same starters on the field through an entire season.
Stokes has good size and tremendous speed. He had four interceptions and eight passes defensed. There would be no rush to get him onto the field, and that’s a good thing.
The 49ers will look to get more support for the new quarterback, and Eskridge fits that bill.
Eskridge, who opened a lot of eyes during the week at the Senior Bowl, could provide the 49ers with the kind of playmaker they have lacked from the slot position. He would also benefit greatly from the coaching of wide receivers coach Wes Welker.
Eskridge also adds a lot of value on special teams with his breakaway speed.
The 49ers already have three solid, NFL-caliber running backs with Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr. and Wayne Gallman.
They still need a reliable route-runner and pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Gainwell, who opted out last season, is the best fit for Shanahan’s system. He lacks the size (5-foot-8, 201 pounds) to take the punishment as an every-down back. But he can be great on third downs.
With edge rusher Dee Ford’s status for the season up in the air, the 49ers can surely use some more depth with their outside pass rush.
Smith (6-6, 255) has good size and athleticism. He does not have to worry about playing base downs, and can concentrate solely on developing as a pass rusher. He led Alabama-Birmingham in tackles for loss and sacks each of the past two seasons.
We’re not exactly expecting another George Kittle with this pick in the fifth round.
Bates lacks the speed of Kittle, but he is a good all-around tight end with room to improve in all areas.
He could compete for playing time with backups Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner while being a special-teams contributor from the beginning.
The 49ers have plenty of safeties who can step in and play, so Stevens can spend a season learning the system while remaining behind Jimmie Ward, Jaquiski Tartt, Tarvarius Moore and Marcell Harris on the depth chart.
Stevens has good size and speed. At 6-foot-1, 212 pounds, he plays like a linebacker. Stevens can step in immediately and help on special teams.
Britt’s toughness and character will enable him to fit in anywhere he can to make a contribution. But his athletic limitations will probably prevent him from being an every-down linebacker.
That’s OK, because he is very good against the run.
Britt could fill a backup role while also lending a hand on special teams coverage units.
