The San Francisco 49ers have questions about their quarterback position. Nobody can really deny that. Maybe Colin Kaepernick somehow returns, maybe Blaine Gabbert can handle Chip Kelly's offense, maybe the team drafts a quarterback. We can't say anything with any remote semblance of confidence. And so, mock draft's continue to suggest a quarterback.
Dan Kadar is back with his latest 2016 NFL mock draft, and he has the 49ers selecting North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz. He has Cal QB Jared Goff going No. 2 to the Cleveland Browns, and Memphis QB Paxton Lynch going No. 15 to the Los Angeles Rams. Here's what he had to say about the 49ers selection:
Coming from the North Dakota State pro-style system, Wentz's fit in Chip Kelly's wide open offense may seem like a square peg in a round hole. But don't forget that Nick Foles successfully managed that offense in 2013. Wentz is a far more talented player than Foles, so he should do just fine.
If the 49ers draft a quarterback, it is entirely possible that quarterback is starting year one, but the team could very well decide to let Gabbert play out his contract year, and insert the draft pick into the lineup in 2017. The player could make an impact, but my guess is the impact is not until 2017.
The question is whether Trent Baalke would have the patience to do so. He has several years remaining on his contract, but things have not gone swimmingly the last two years. Is he on the hot seat? Or is he in that good with Jed York that a less than stellar 2016 won't cost him? If it is the latter, I don't really have a whole lot to add. However, if it is the former, maybe he is more inclined to go impact player in the first round.
Here are the first six picks of Dan's mock draft
1. Tennessee Titans - Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
2. Cleveland Browns - Jared Goff, QB, Cal
3. San Diego Chargers - DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
4. Dallas Cowboys - Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio STate
5. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
6. Baltimore Ravens - Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
That leaves some solid talent on the board. The most notable would be UCLA linebacker Myles Jack. After that, you have guys like cornerbacks Vernon Hargreaves and Mackensie Alexander, lineback Darron Lee, pass rushers Shaq Lawson and Noah Spence, and wide receiver Laquon Treadwell. From that group, Jack seems like potentially the biggest impact player, but also one at a position where the 49ers at least have a little bit of depth.
What do you think? Do the 49ers go quarterback even if it might take a year for impact, or do they wait on the position and go with a more immediate impact player at No. 7 (or via trade down)?