Considering a defense-heavy 7-round mock draft haul

The bulk of NFL free agency is a wrap, which means we might have at least a little more clarity for mock drafts. Anything after the first round is a lot of guesswork on specific players, but at least we can get a better handle on what positions make the most sense.

The folks at Draft Wire put together their latest seven-round NFL mock draft, and they go heavy on defense. They spend six of their nine picks on that side of the ball, including four of their first five picks. That does not mean they can’t find some diamonds in the rough on offense, but it would clearly be an effort to further upgrade their defense.

1(9). Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
2(59). Josh Sweat, Edge, Florida State
3(70). Equanimeous St. Brown, WR, Notre Dame
3(74). M.J. Stewart, CB, North Carolina
4(128). Quin Blanding, S, Virginia
5(143). Matthew Thomas, LB, Florida State
6(184). K.C. McDermott, OL, Miami (FL)
7(223). Jordan Lasley, WR, UCLA
7(240). Jordan Thomas, CB, Oklahoma

Throughout the pre-draft process, Minkah Fitzpatrick has been in the running to be one of the first defensive players off the board. He is the third off the board in this mock draft, behind edge rusher Bradley Chubb and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. However, four quarterbacks coming off the board in the first five picks pushes Fitzpatrick back to the 49ers.

Josh Sweat could compete for the LEO edge rusher role, but he also could push for the SAM role. Eli Harold is signed through 2018, and there is no indication yet if the 49ers plan on extending him. They need an option for the future.

Equanimeous St. Brown not only has one of the best names in the draft, but also is an absolute physical beast. He stands 6’5, 214 pounds and ran a 4.48 40. Scouting reports point to a player who struggles with physical cornerbacks, which is interesting considering how huge he is. But it’s easy to be enamored by what he could do with that mix of size and speed.

How would you grade out this draft haul for the 49ers? If you can’t see the poll below, click here.