The San Francisco 49ers had a busy week at the 2016 NFL Combine. They had coaches involved in some of the drills, they were scouting plenty of players, and they were able to interview as many as 60 players in 15-minute formal interviews.
We'll never know the full list of interviews, but we have a couple more to add to the list. Walter Football's Charlie Campbell is reporting the team met with Clemson OLB/DE Shaq Lawson, and Florida safety Keanu Neal. Teams can meet with players in informal settings, but Campbell is saying the team used two of its 15-minute formal interviews on those two players.
Lawson is looking like a first round prospect, although projections have him potentially just outside the top ten. He has great size, listed at 6'3, 269 pounds. He might be on the top end of the scale for the 49ers outside linebackers, but he could also provide some versatility as a guy who can play some end in their nickel. He played some 5-technique at Clemson, so there is plenty of opportunity for him. And we know the 49ers need some pass rush help.
Neal is listed as a strong safety at NFL.com, and a free safety at CBSSports.com. Either way, he's viewed as a huge hitter that is better suited for run stopping than pass coverage, but people like his athleticism overall. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein thinks that if he can show some instincts in pass coverage, he could be a starter early in his career. CBSSports.com's Dane Brugler thinks he might be able to start down the road if he improves his discipline, but views him as a potential special teams demon for now. CBS suggests him as a potential fourth or fifth round pick. NFL.com has no projection, while ESPN ranks him No. 45 overall, and the third best safety.