The San Francisco 49ers need to find immediate impact players in the 2017 NFL Draft, and Bucky Brooks thinks he knows the answer. NFL Network has been doing a “Perfect Pair” segment in which analysts figure out first and second round draft picks for a given team. It is not a full-on mock draft of who will be available for that second round pick, but it lets them discuss notable team needs.
In the 49ers “Perfect Pair” segment, he has them selecting LSU safety Jamal Adams in the first round, and Tennessee running back Alvin Kamara in the second round. He talked about how they would change the culture and provide an immediate impact.
NFL Network's @BuckyBrooks chooses a "Perfect Pair" for the #49ers at No. 2 and 34 of the #NFLDraft. pic.twitter.com/u7LZwk8bYW
— Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) April 2, 2017
The Jamal Adams pick is an interesting one. There is no doubting his talent, but there is a debate to be had about his fit vs. that of Malik Hooker. If you were to hypothetically pair them together in the 49ers defense, it seems like Hooker would play the center field role while Adams would play more of the Kam Chancellor role. I would not turn down either such player, but what is the plan at free and strong safety with the current roster? A lot of this might depend on what you think of Hooker’s relative lack of starting experience (one full season vs. Adams’ three full seasons).
As to the Kamara pick, the 49ers need a sturdy second piece at the running back position. It is a deep position in this year’s draft, and while some have suggested Leonard Fournette at the No. 2 pick, the depth of the position means the 49ers could land a strong one in the second round or later. Fournette, Dalvin Cook, and Christian McCaffrey are all projected to go before the 49ers second round pick. Joe Mixon is a whole separate question. That leaves notable names like Alvin Kamara and D’Onta Foreman on the table. If the 49ers invest in a defensive player up top, does it make sense to find a skill position in the second round?