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49ers take Alabama DT Quinnen Williams in Pro Football Focus’ latest mock draft

He’s one of the three people the 49ers may walk away with at the No. 2 spot.

By Patrick Holloway

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SEC Championship - Alabama v Georgia Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

We have another mock draft for you and it has a third option for 49ers. Pro Football Focus put together their first offseason 2019 NFL mock draft with an alternative pick at No. 2. The Arizona Cardinals pick Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa (yep shocker). Following up, the 49ers don’t take Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen, but instead take Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.

Here’s what they had to say about the pick:

The best player in the nation in 2018, Williams emerged as a dominant interior presence that can disrupt both the pass and the run games. He had the nation’s No. 2 pass-rush grade to go with the No. 1 mark against the run, and he adds a difference-maker as the 49ers continue to develop their defensive front.

I’d be more for this pick if I didn’t witness Williams mailing in his performance at the CFP National Championship game against Clemson. Williams had a nice tackle for a loss to start things, but was quiet for for most of the game. It was a disappointing display on the biggest stage thus far for him.

Even if Williams played lights out like he did for the entire season, the fact remains the 49ers need an edge-rusher far more than they need help on the interior. I’m not ready to give up on Solomon Thomas just yet, and DeForest Buckner is DeForest Buckner. The 49ers have been playing Thomas on the edge which has proven to be a horrible idea on passing downs, and when Thomas is on the interior for the same types of situations, it’s not atrocious. It’s that edge position that he needs to stay far away from. It’s also worth noting that perhaps a change of scenery with the 49ers’ new defensive line coach will help him get it together.

Josh Allen not only brings that edge presence, but he also has that versatility. He went at No. 4 to the Oakland Raiders.

All that said, if Williams can play up to the potential we all would hope he has, that is an absolutely nasty defensive interior with him and DeForest Buckner running things.

But the 49ers would still need an edge-rusher.

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