The 2016 NFL Draft is officially a wrap, and the San Francisco 49ers loaded up in the trenches. Entering the draft with seemingly a host of needs on both sides of the ball, Trent Baalke focused on the offensive line and defensive line. The team is adding bodies to rebuild the offensive line, and hoping to return to its philosophy of a strong defensive front to help the back end of the defense.
The San Francisco 49ers ended up making 11 picks on the day. They focused on defense early on, selecting two cornerbacks and two defensive linemen in the first five picks. They drafted three offensive linemen, and then added three skill position players late, before closing with one more cornerback. It was certainly some intriguing decision-making. They made what appear to be some great picks, and they made what appear to be some head-scratchers. Should be a fun offseason of discussion.
Here is a rundown of the 49ers entire 2016 NFL Draft class:
1 (7) DeForest Buckner, DT, Oregon
1 (28). Joshua Garnett, OG, Stanford
3 (5) Will Redmond, CB, Mississippi State
4 (35). Rashard Robinson, CB, LSU
5 (3). Ronald Blair, DE, Appalachian State
5 (6). John Theus, OT, Georgia
5 (35). Fahn Cooper, OT, Ole Miss
6 (32). Jeff Driskel, QB, Louisiana Tech
6 (36). Kelvin Taylor, RB, Florida
6 (38). Aaron Burbridge, WR, Michigan State
7 (28). Prince Charles Iworah, CB, Western Kentucky
We'll have plenty of analysis and background information on the 49ers entire draft class in the coming days, weeks and months. It is important to also note that the close of the draft does not complete the 49ers "rookie" class. Things are about to get really wild as the 49ers dive into the wild west that is undrafted free agency. Any player that was not drafted can sign with any team. We will hear a ton of rumors, with nothing fully confirmed until the team announces it. Odds are good at least one or two players will commit to multiple teams, leading to plenty of craziness.
We'll be tracking the UDFA rumors here, which will flow fast and furious today and tomorrow. There will be some incorrect information out there in part because things happen so fast. Player X will get an offer from one team, but could change his mind at the last minute because a situation offering more playing time opens up.