As the hours count down towards draft day zero, the feelings of anxious excitement engulfs you, nervousness of the unknown battles within, leading to an overflowing of feverish enthusiasm, knowing you are nearing the best part of the draft -- the moment before it starts. Welcome to Draftmas Eve! I'm here to add another mock draft of wishful thinking, or what Peter King likens to, "a monument to futility".
There are no trades in my 7-round 49ers mock, it's simply a down the line straight up picking of all 12 picks with a bonus 7 undrafted free agent rookie singings to fill out the 90-man roster. I'm standing by the Matt Maiocco philosophy of never projecting trades in mocks: "I'd rather be wrong than be wrong twice."
I have no doubt the 49ers will be heavily active in trades during the draft process. We already know of some possible scenarios in dealings with the 49ers, such as trading up with the Chargers at 3 (Jalen Ramsey), or the more likely possibility of trading back with teams such as the Bears at 11, the Saints at 12, the Dolphins at 13, the Titans at 15, or even the Jets at 20 (Muhammad Wilkerson is definitely enticing) with the hopes of gathering several more day 2 picks and possibly, 2017 picks too. I'm of the opinion it's best to stay at 7, because we are selecting in an area where impactful starting type players could definitely help the 49ers, and although we have needs pretty much everywhere, drafting high quality starter talent is imperative to build the foundation. Nevertheless, expect trader Trent to once again, work his draft-ninja trade magic.
*Music NSFW Advisory: The music on some of the following video highlights have lyrics that are not safe for work.
Round 1 (7)
DeForest Buckner - DE - Oregon
A complete defensive prospect posting linebacker-like numbers the past two seasons (164 tackles & 30 tackles for loss), Buckner utilizes his amazing length, athleticism, humongous tennis racket hands, and power as a disruptive run stuffer with range, and a fierce pass rusher collapsing the pocket. An excellent scheme fit, he brings immediate starter value showing his domination in the four, five, and six-technique, as well as the versatility to kick it inside to the A gap and nose tackle. Future of the 49ers DL is set.
Round 2 (37)
Joshua Garnett - OG - Stanford
A very large mauler interior lineman with excellent NFL size, strength, length (long arms), and power. Garnett is a brawler displaying solid quickness and explosion at the point of attack, and would fit nicely in Chip Kelly's inside zone running scheme. A former Chip Kelly recruit, Garnett is similar to Buckner, where connecting the dots of history between Kelly and the two prospects makes sense as a perfect marriage.
Round 3 (68)
Kyler Fackrell - OLB - Utah State
Fackrell is a former high school basketball and volleyball player, as well as a former high school quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker, safety, and return specialist. A true athlete, he showcases ideal size (6'5") and length for the position with a great ability to shed blocks and flatten down the line of scrimmage with impressive closing speed, fluid movement, and is smooth in space covering a lot of ground. A blue-collar high-character player with a tremendous work ethic that loves the game of football, Fackrell is adept at playing the pass and the run, and back in October 2015, was Pro Football Focus' (PFF) top ranked 34 OLB at +34.4, with the highest grade as a pass rusher, against the run, and sixth-highest in coverage. Moreover, the second-highest pass rushing productivity against guards in the country, per PFF. The 49ers need all the help they can get rushing the passer.
Round 4 (105)
Malcolm Mitchell - WR - Georgia
A smooth, fluid and athletic receiver displaying solid route running skills, long arms, big hands, sound ball skills, and is not afraid to go over the middle. Potential Jeremy Maclin-type fit in Kelly's offense.
Round 4 (133)
Caleb Benenoch - OT - UCLA
An athletic right tackle that moves well laterally and brings extra value with the ability to play guard. Displays a skill-set for a heavy running zone blocking scheme. Adds competition to the tackle position.
Round 5 (142)
Eric Murray - CB - Minnesota
A very physical, aggressive, and strong lockdown-type corner with impressive flexibility, balance, fluid hips, quick feet, agility, change of direction skills, and explosion. A special teams stalwart bringing desired value at the next level. A Trent Baalke mid-round corner.
Round 5 (145)
Nick Vigil - ILB - Utah State
An athletic and aggressive linebacker with impressive instincts, football IQ, speed, range, tackling ability, and movement skills. Vigil has a nose for the football and will bring competition for the position next to NaVorro Bowman.
Round 5 (174)
Jaylon Smith - ILB - Notre Dame
This is the pick I struggled the most in making, because with a team plagued with needs, you need picks to contribute as soon as possible. Nevertheless, this is a classic Baalke move and I don't expect him to change his philosophy; therefore, if Smith is available here, I can see the 49ers drafting him. If Smith fully recovers, HUGE steal of the draft, but our history going this route is not encouraging.
Round 6 (178)
Keith Marshall - RB - Georgia
A highly touted high school prospect and Georgia freshman sensation, Marshall was sidelined by injuries and great talent ahead of him throughout his collegiate career. Nevertheless, Marshall is poised to have a better pro career than a college one. A potential hidden gem that is strong, quick, and very fast (4.31 40), and should be a great fit in a zone scheme.
Round 6 (207)
Vernon Adams - QB - Oregon
Physical limitations will always be in question with Adams, but he shows confidence in his abilities, makes players around him better, a good decision maker, very competitive, shows escapability, extends plays and makes plays on the run, makes big time plays in key situations, good anticipation and timing, solid ball placement, and is accurate.
Round 6 (211)
Vincent Valentine - NT - Nebraska
A big bodied plugger 34 nose tackle prospect that is a solid rock in the middle of the defense with impressive lateral movement and fluidity. Added depth to the DL.
Round 6 (213)
Mike Rose - DE/OLB - NC State
A hard-working (grinder) physical power pass rusher off the edge. Does not have elite burst, but is fast off the edge with a nose for the ball, a relentless motor, and a high football IQ. The 49ers need all the help they need rushing the passer.
Priority undrafted free agent rookie signings:
1. Tanner Agen - DT - Michigan Technical University (highlights here)
2. Jhurell Pressley - RB - New Mexico (highlights here)
3. Keith Lumpkin - OT - Rutgers (highlights here)
4. Garrick Mayweather Jr. - OG - Fordham (highlights here)
5. Winston Rose - CB - New Mexico State (highlights here)
6. Roy Robertson-Harris - OLB - UTEP (highlights here)
7. Mitch Mathews - WR - BYU (highlights here)