We’ve had extensive discussion about what quarterbacks might slip past the first round, and in his latest 2017 NFL mock draft, ESPN’s Todd McShay offers an intriguing option.
McShay went three rounds deep, but did it as GM rather than a projection of what he thinks will happen. This latest mock is more looking at value for each individual team, rather than trying to figure out pieces of a puzzle. He also does not make any trades that have not already been done.
His three picks for the 49ers include Stanford defensive end Solomon Thomas at No. 2, Clemson quarterback DeShaun Watson in the second round, and Iowa defensive back Desmond King in the third round. McShay had this to say about the picks:
Thomas has been in my top-five overall prospects from the moment I watched his tape. He's the total package, with the ideal combination of size, quickness and power. Thomas also has more natural pass-rushing ability than either of the 49ers' past two first-round picks, Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner. The 49ers brought in Brian Hoyer in free agency, who'd be an adequate bridge QB until Watson is ready to play. King has excellent ball skills and is a good run defender, something the 49ers need after finishing last in rushing yards allowed last season.
It’s an intriguing package of players for the 49ers, but it is also an entirely unrealistic mock. McShay has no quarterbacks going in the first round. Instead, Mitchell Trubisky at No. 33 to the Cleveland Browns is the first one off the board. His QB results:
2 (33). Cleveland Browns - Mitchell Trubisky
2 (34). San Francisco 49ers - DeShaun Watson
2 (38). Los Angeles Chargers - Patrick Mahomes
2 (39). New York Jets - DeShone Kizer
3 (77). Arizona Cardinals - Nathan Peterman
3 (89). Houston Texans - Joshua Dobbs
3 (91). Kansas City Chiefs - Davis Webb
I just can’t see a QB not going in the first round. I would be intrigued by a class that results in most of them available to the 49ers in the second round, but it just seems entirely unlikely. At the very least, the Cleveland Browns at No. 12 and the Houston Texans at No. 25 seem like strong candidates to add a QB. It would be downright shocking to me to see no quarterbacks in the first round.
Other than that, what do you think of that trio of players for the 49ers?