The first week of free agency is behind us, and a lot of teams made a lot of big decisions. Cap space continues to rise at a significant rate, and a lot of teams found themselves with a lot of cap space. Some big names remain on the market, but a lot of teams filled some notable holes on their rosters.
The 2017 NFL Draft is a little over six weeks away, but we are already seeing some adjustments in mock drafts. I will be updating the mock draft database, but it will be interesting to see how people look at the 49ers free agency haul and their draft plans. The 49ers signed quarterbacks Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley. Neither is a long-term option, but it says nothing about what the team thinks about this year’s QB draft class.
SB Nation’s Dan Kadar has been focused on quarterbacks for the 49ers, but in his latest 2017 NFL mock draft, he makes a change. He has the 49ers going safety, selecting Ohio State’s Malik Hooker. Here’s what he had to say about the pick:
What the 49ers will do is so hard to gauge. Do they think they can go with Brian Hoyer for at least a year as starting quarterback? If so, that could open them up to taking Hooker. While Jimmie Ward will get a chance to prove himself as a safety this offseason, Hooker can be a transcendent talent at the position. The Ed Reed comparisons are real.
How much of a chance will Jimmie Ward get at the free safety position? The 49ers get to start their offseason workout program in early April, but they will be focused on strength and conditioning work the first couple weeks. They’ll get some drills in before the draft, but I can’t imagine it will be enough to get a firm answer on Ward as a free safety. If the 49ers think Malik Hooker (or Jamal Adams) is the best defensive option available, so be it. But if it is a close call, how do they handle it with the plans for Ward?