FanPost

Top 10 players I'd like the 49ers to draft at #30

Of all the players with the potential of falling to #30, here is my ranked list of who I'd like. The top 3 are all defense, simply because that's where the talent is at this year. I have TE Fleener #4, WR Randle #5, and WR Hill #9. Rankings are based on fit for the 49ers, need, and best player available.

Thoughts?

1. CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama - Solid, low-risk DB prospect who will be a starter in this league for years to come. Not a need, but we'd have the best nickel and dime defensive backfield in the NFL without question. Big enough to play Safety and is a brute in the run game

2. CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina - Similar prospect to Kirkpatrick. Not a need, but we'd have a secondary that can goe toe to toe with any team that tries to spread us out. Another guy that can play safety and is low risk.

3. DE/OLB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama - Again, not a need, but he is a monster of a pass-rusher who could rotate in with Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks. You can never have enough 'fresh' pass-rushers. Also, he can play 4-3 DE if we ever decided to go that route.

4. TE Coby Fleener, Stanford - perfect for our offense. The 49ers have two tight ends in their base package, so we essentially have two starting tight ends. And I hate to burst the bubble of many 49er fans, but Delanie Walker is not a starting-caliber Tight End statistically or size-wise. With Fleener and Davis, we would have incredible mismatches against safeties and linebackers, forcing teams to abandon cover 2...that opens things up for our WRs on intermediate sideline routes.

5. WR Reuben Randle, LSU - Randle is the 3rd best WR in this prospect after Floyd and Blackmon and is a great fit for the west coast offense (intermediate routes). He's on LSU's hands team if that telsl you anthything. He is an excellent route runner who sets up defenders very well -- good shoulder fake to get a little separation. He fights for first down yardage -- a tough, physical receiver that will move the chains. He loves to block. Has the potential to be a #1 in the NFL - I think his floor is a solid Split End like Crabtree.

6. DL Devon Still, Penn State - great run-stopper who is quick off the snap and can generate a decent pass rush for an interior lineman. Still figuring out how to use his God-given physical abilities -- growth spurt in college has made him a lot bigger than when he entered college.

7. DL Jerel Worthy, Michigan State - A better fit as a 4-3 DT, could end up being a solid 3-4 DE in our system, rotating in. Biggest concern is inconsistency

8. OG Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin - big-bodied mauler of a guard that still has lateral agility and gets downfield well to put a helmet on a linebacker. That attitude and awareness makes some think he can move to center someday -- Konz had that position locked down at Wisconsin. Very, very strong.

9. WR Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech - Physically, Hill is the best WR in this draft. Tall, fast, with an amazing vertical - Hill has more upside than anyone else in the draft. However, he has very little experience running pro style routes, tracking the quarterback's actions, etc. -- almost all of his yardage was on broken-looking plays in the Georgia Tech option offense. Phenomenal blocker.

10. C Peter Konz, Wisconsin - High-character Center who has the ability to play guard as well. Plays 'smart', always aware of what is going on like teammate Zeitler. Has had issues with strength and injuries.


This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.