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Since my last write-up, the San Francisco 49ers made a blockbuster trade deadline deal with the New England Patriots, acquiring quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in exchange for a 2nd round draft pick. For now, it seems like the 49ers may have their long awaited quarterback of the future. Of course, a long and draining negotiating process awaits as the team will look to lock up their new passer to a contract as the Eastern Illinois product is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of this season.
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For months fans and experts have been debating about what quarterback the 49ers should select in the draft or open up the checkbook for Kirk Cousins. With Garoppolo now in the fold perhaps all of those debates were for nothing. There is still a chance the team drafts a passer or still pursues Cousins, especially if something does not go well with Jimmy G between now and the beginning of the new league year.
For today’s college game thread I want to spotlight prospects at positions other than quarterback who the 49ers can invest their first round pick on. With needs across the board, there are plenty of prospects to focus on. For now, here are some games involving future 1st round talent.
No. 23 NC State @ Boston College
Kickoff: 9:00 a.m. PT
TV channel: ABC & ESPN2
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Position Watch: Defensive End/ Pass Rusher
Who To Watch:
No. 9 Bradley Chubb, DE, 6’4”, 275 lbs (NC State) - Round Projection: 1st
No. 7 Harold Landry, DE (Boston College) - Round Projection: 1st
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What a rare and golden opportunity to witness two of the best pass rushing prospects playing on the same field tomorrow! The 49ers have invested heavily in their defensive line the last three seasons, yet they still lack a true pass rushing specialist. While there are other prospects out there such as Arden Key, Dorance Armstrong Jr, Austin Bryant, and Clelin Ferrell, I don’t believe they match the abilities of Chubb and Landry. In terms of watching for the future, this early game (9am pacific start) is a MUST watch for all fans craving a pass rusher.
No. 3 Notre Dame @ No. 7 Miami
Kickoff: 5:00 p.m.
TV channel: ABC
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Position Watch: Offensive Line (Tackle & Guard)
What To Watch:
No. 56 Quenton Nelson, G - Notre Dame - Round Projection: 1st
No. 68 Mike McGlinchey, Tackle - Notre Dame - Round Projection: 1st
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Other than being labeled as the game of the week with college football playoff implications on the line, the other reason to tune is if you are tired of pulling your hair out watching the current 49ers offensive line. If the 49ers decide to invest their first on a lineman these two prospects will be on the top of their list. It’s hard to justify selecting a guard within the top five, but Nelson is having an outstanding season. He might be the best overall offensive lineman prospect in the country. With Josh Garnett’s future up in the air, and the need to protect Jimmy G and create openings for the running game, Nelson may just be worth selecting. As for Mcglinchey, selecting him would mean the 49ers are starting to think of beyond Joe Staley. As good as Staley continues to be, he wont be around forever, and if you hope to compete for Super Bowl’s a left tackle is a must. Be sure to catch both these lineman in action against a formidable opponent on the road.
No. 2 Alabama @ No. 18 Mississippi State
Kickoff: 4:00 pm
TV channel: ESPN
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Position Watch: Wide Receiver, Defensive Tackle, & Defensive Back
Who to watch:
No. 9 Calvin Ridley, 6’1”, 190 lbs. - WR - Alabama - Round Projection: 1st
No. 29 Minkah Fitzpatrick, 6’1”, 203 lbs. - Defensive Back - Alabama - Round Projection: 1st
No. 15 Ronnie Harrison, 6’3”, 216 lbs. - Safety - Alabama - Round Projection: 1st
No. 64 Da’Ron Payne, 6’2”, 319 lbs. - Defensive tackle - Round Projection: 1st
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The college football factory that is Alabama gives us more future first round prospects to watch. Fitzpatrick, Harrison, and Payne are all first round prospects barring an injury or setback. Fitzpatrick is a true game changing, rare talent who has some of the best football instincts I have seen on tape in a while. On the other side of the ball, Ridley is quietly making a case to be the top receiver in this class. The 49ers lack both a game changing receiver and defensive back. While all four are first round worthy, keep a closer eye on Fitzpatrick and Ridley for teem needs.
Rutgers @ No. 16 Penn State
Kickoff: 9:00 a.m.
TV channel: BigTen Network
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Position Watch: Running Back
Who To Watch:
No. 26 Saquon Barkley, 5’11”, 223 lbs. - Running Back - Round Projection: 1st
Until further notice Barkley will be mocked to the 49ers more often than not. Like with guards, can the 49ers justify drafting a running back in the top 5? For now, I would value Barkley within the top 5. He is that good. He is that rare, game changing talent at the position, who is a dual-threat as both a runner and a receiver. The 49ers need offensive weapons, and that is exactly what Barkley is….an offensive weapon who can be utilized in multiple ways. I wish we can remove the running back tag and replace it with offensive weapon. The NC State-BC game should still be priority number one, but if you have the opportunity to catch Barkley in action you wont be disappointed.
Florida State @ No. 4 Clemson
Kickoff: 12:30pm
TV channel: ESPN
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Position Watch: Safety, Defensive End
Who To Watch:
No. 8 Derwin James, 6’3” 211 lbs. - S - FSU - Round Projection: 1st
No. 7 Austin Bryant, 6’5” 265 lbs - DE - Clemson - Projection: 1st
No. 99 Clelin Ferrell, 6’5” 260 lbs. - DE - Clemson - Projection: 1st
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The matchup against Clemson on the road against a high-powered offense offers is a critical James to continue to raise his draft stock. Like Fitzpatrick of Alabama, James has the ability to take over the game. He has overcome his season ending injury from last year and is playing with the speed and aggression that we have grow accustomed to seeing from him. He is also a threat on special teams and can be utilized in the game plan on multiple levels. Provided he remains healthy and upright, James will be a valuable addition to nay team at the next level. As for Bryant and Ferrell, they have been wrecking balls along the edge of the Tiger’s defensive line. They are the heartbeat of the defense, and both have had major impacts on games this season, especially Bryant.
Other Games To Watch:
SMU @ Navy
Kickoff: 12:30pm
TV channel: CBS Sports Network
Prospect To Watch: No. 16 Courtland Sutton - 6’4” 216 lbs. - Projection: 1st
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Kansas @ Texas
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m.
TV channel: Longhorn Network
Prospect To Watch: No. 55Connor Williams - Offensive Tackle - 6’6” 288 lbs - Projection: 1st
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Arkansas @ LSU
Kickoff: 9:00 a.m.
TV channel: ESPN
Prospect To Watch: No. 49 Arden Key - DE - 6’6” 265 lbs. - Projection: 1st
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No. 12 Oklahoma State @ No. 24 Iowa State
Kickoff: Noon
TV channel: ESPN2, ABC
Prospect To Watch: No. 28 James Washington - WR - 6’0” 205 lbs. - Projection: 1st
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No. 1 Georgia @ No. 10 Auburn
Kickoff: 3:30pm
TV channel: CBS
Prospect To Watch: No. 3 Roquan Smith, 6’1”, 225 lbs - LB - Georgia - Projection: 1st
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Final Recap
DE/Pass Rusher: Bradley Chubb
DE/Pass Rusher: Harold Landry
DE: Arden Key
DE: Austin Bryant
DE: Clelin Ferrell
WR: Calvin Ridley
WR: Courtland Sutton
WR: James Washington
Safety: Minkha Fitzpatrick
Safety: Ronnie Harrison
Safety: Derwin James
LB: Roquan Smith
Guard: Quenten Nelson
Tackle: Mike McGlinchey
Tackle: Connor Williams
RB: Saquon Barkley
DT: Da’Ron Payne
Again, these are just some of the many prospects that the 49ers front office and coaching staff will be evaluating throughout the extensive draft process. However, what is important to know is that with Jimmy G in the fold, it is a good bet that the first pick will no longer be a quarterback.
Who are YOU excited to see in action tomorrow? If the pick isn’t a quarterback, what position is now the top priority? Please share in the comments below! Thanks for reading!