The 2017 NFL draft is six days away, and it’s safe to say Mel Kiper and Todd McShay are running out of ways to put together mock drafts. On Thursday evening, they were on television alternating picks for three rounds. Kiper had the first pick, and they alternated from there through pick 107. The resulting mock draft offered up some intriguing talent for the San Francisco 49ers.
At pick No. 2, McShay selected Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore. He suggested it could be a slight reach, but he views Lattimore as “the best pure cover corner in this class” who would fill a major need for San Francisco. The 49ers are looking at Jimmie Ward as a free safety option, and if that takes, they’ll need more talent at cornerback. They need more talent there in general, but especially so with Ward changing positions and Tramaine Brock released.
At pick No. 34, McShay has the 49ers selecting Clemson quarterback DeShaun Watson. He is the second quarterback off the board, with Mitchell Trubisky going No. 12 to the Cleveland Browns. The other quarterbacks selected are Patrick Mahomes (No. 36 - Chicago Bears), Nathan Peterman (No. 57 - Houston Texans), DeShone Kizer (No. 62 - Pittsburgh Steelers), Joshua Dobbs (No. 70 - New York Jets), and Brad Kaaya (No. 91 - Kansas City Chiefs). All these teams could easily draft quarterbacks, but at least one or two more of them will be in the first round. I would be surprised if only one QB goes in the first round.
At pick No. 66, McShay has the 49ers selecting Alabama linebacker Ryan Anderson. McShay likes that he plays with an edge, “and will bring excellent leadership and intangibles to an NFL locker room.” He is described as a likely SAM linebacker, and fittingly enough his NFL.com comp is Ahmad Brooks.