What the heck, right? I decided to fill out a mock draft using Pro Football Focus’ draft simulator for the 49ers. Now, before you yell and say this player won’t be available at this spot or rabble-rabble-rabble, I can’t help that, and just played the board. So, just sit back and enjoy this seven-round mock and live in a land where this many impact players end up in Santa Clara.
Round 1, Pick 27: Emanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
PFF Big Board: #21
Grade: A
Yes, I’m aware. The safety from Toledo won’t be available at 27. You happy, smarty pants? Now, this was the easiest selection of the mock as a no-brainer. Is it possible? Sure, but you have to believe. It’s far more doubtful than possible, in my opinion. Landing McNeil-Warren fixes the safety position. Can we dream right?
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Round 2, Pick 58: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
PFF Big Board: #63
Grade: B+
PFF dinged me for taking Josephs over Ty Simpson. Alright then. Adding Josephs at EDGE in the second round has to be one of the real possibilities for the 49ers. Wingspan, wingspan, wingspan. The 49ers love their defensive linemen to have long arms and reach. Josephs needs to add weight to be effective in the NFL, but this would be a solid addition at pick 63.
Round 4, Pick 127: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
PFF Big Board: #136
Grade: C
This was my second-lowest graded selection of the draft. It literally came down to Lane or CJ Daniels from Miami. While I think Daniels is a phenomenal and polished route runner. I chased the ceiling, size, and red zone prowess from Lane. Yes, Mike Evans is here now, and Lane can be here for a while.
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Round 4, Pick 133: Jude Bowry, LT, Boston College
PFF Big Board: #134
Grade: A-
See, guys, I invested in the offensive line. Now, this is easily my most boom-or-bust pick. Bowry’s ceiling is so high, but his floor is nonexistent. Bowry would be a replacement for Trent Williams. What’s a draft without a big swing? I’m just happy it happened in the fourth round with a pick outside the top 100.
Round 4, Pick 138: Max Llewellyn, EDGE, Iowa
PFF Big Board: #152
Grade: B-
Now this is my biggest reach of the draft. I wasn’t in love with who was available at this spot, so I doubled up on EDGE to revitalize the 49ers’ pass rush under Raheem Morris. Llewellyn needs to get stronger, but he spent most of his career in Iowa in the backfield, disrupting. Seattle has proven that too many EDGE or defensive linemen isn’t a thing. Keep everyone fresh and continue to pressure the quarterback for four quarters.
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Round 4, Pick 139: Jager Burton, C, Kentucky
PFF Big Board: #141
Grade: C+
Oh man, PFF did NOT like this selection. This was my lowest graded pick, but I was looking for the center of the future at the end of the draft. The Kentucky alum went crazy at the combine and has five years of experience. He is rising boards and might not be available here, but man, it would be nice for the 49ers to land him. Did I mention he’s durable?
Overall Grade: B+
Sidenote:
The 49ers need a left guard, but I refused to force a pick for a player who happens to play guard. Here’s your solution: sign Joel Bitonio for one-year and go back next year for a left guard. See, I’ve thought of it all. You’re welcome, 49ers fans. Book your tickets for SoFi in February.
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