Rather than look at what everyone else is doing, we’ll do things ourselves.
Let’s have some fun. Rather than grab someone else’s mock, I decided to make my own. That’s right, a guy covering the San Francisco 49ers is going to attempt to list players other teams will take in one of those mock drafts everyone likes to do. Trades were allowed, in which we have one trade, and I’m only looking at the first 10 picks.
Is there anything official here? Not really. In fact there’s not much difference with the 49ers than what everyone else has done. That said, having a Niners Nation mock draft carries a bit of a charm nothing can replicate. I’ll do another one of these 10-pick mocks next week when the Combine concludes.
1. Arizona Cardinals: Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
I want to say they’ll use logic and take Quinnen WIlliams. I want to really put all my chips in and say “YES IT’S HAPPENING!” I want to argue how a 3-4 or 4-3 defense does matter, I don’t care who you are to argue. But that takes logic and what I think the Cardinals should do. Those are two things I doubt the Cardinals will look at when they make a pick. It also doesn’t help that current edge-rusher Marcus Golden is reported to hit free agency.
Face it folks, Bosa is going to Arizona. Fitting an NFC West team ruins everything.
2. San Francisco 49ers: Josh Allen, DE/OLB, Kentucky
I like Allen for his versatility, but I question his ability to be a full-time pass rusher. He might have a couple moves, but he’s going to need a repertoire if he’s going to be spending 70 percent of his time at the line. The 49ers are in a bad spot. They could pass on Allen and take Quinnen Williams, but that effectively states they made a mistake with Solomon Thomas two years ago—and also might have him in a cheap packaged trade to another team. Rashan Gary doesn’t provide the upside Allen could have.
Now, maybe the 49ers can make a cheap trade out. But have you heard of a cheap trade from No. 2? I haven’t. I’ve been down on Williams and high on Allen, but I’m about a coin flip between the two at this point.
3. New York Jets: Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
The big three are off the board. The Jets are in a great spot. I only hope the Cardinals take this guy before the Jets get the chance.
4. [TRADE] New York Giants: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
The Giants have one of the best wide receivers and one of the best running backs in the league on the same team. Eli Manning is ruining both of those careers. The Giants need a quarterback and if Haskins impresses on the Combine, the Raiders are the sweet spot for a QB. Now if Murray does better, the Giants very well could go with him. But they will trade for a QB. I very easily could flip this next week.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
It was either Williams or Alabama safety Deionte Thompson. The Buccaneers want to stick with Jameis Winston at quarterback. Alright then. If you’re going to stick with the QB, get him some protection and a running game because the Bucs need both. The only thing worse than the O-line was the pass defense (which was historically bad). Tackle Donovan Smith is up in free agency and the Buccaneers run game couldn’t get a hole.
I’m on a coinflip here, because I like Thompson, but I’m always biased to offensive line.
6. Oakland Raiders: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
The Raiders could make a second trade here to the Jacksonville Jaguars. There are rumblings from none other than Mel Kiper Jr. that the Raiders may consider Murray. They could execute one more trade which gives Jon Gruden enough picks to field an entire football team and release his 2018 squad. If they don’t do the trade (which I doubt), Oliver is going to Oakland, and eventually Vegas.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
*shrug* Yeah. See ya, Blake Bortles.
8. Detroit Lions: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
Thought about plugging Deionte Thompson here since Glover Quin was recently released, but our friends at Pride of Detroit seem to be high on Tracy Walker. So I’ll let them get Ferrell. It’s either him or Gary, but I think may be a better fit.
9. Buffalo Bills: Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan
Clemson DT Christian Wilkins is an option here, but I’ll send Gary to Buffalo.
10. Denver Broncos: Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
Quarterback? Meh. Thompson could work here, even with the talent they already have in that backfield. That secondary isn’t garbage, but their run support was awful last year. There were also too many big plays given up. Especially when they gave some no-name tight end 210 yards.
About the Author: Insidethe49
