The annual scouting combine came and went quickly with NFL scouting departments taking the data back to headquarters to continue their in-depth evaluations. 

The combine is the final group stage of the NFL draft process before a few dozen prospects are in the green room on draft night. The pro day circuit has already begun and players will have individual opportunities to improve on marks from the combine. Simultaneously, the players that dominated the combine will force evaluators to seek out more information to see if what they saw matches their game film.

The 49ers’ first pick will come ninth overall after winning the coin flip with the Oakland Raiders, who hold pick No. 10. The position is critical this year with a handful of quarterbacks expected to go in the first round possible pushing prospects at other positions down the board for San Francisco to snatch.

We’ll publish multiple mocks throughout draft season, working to identify needs as they change throughout the process to approach the draft from multiple angles. While mock drafts ignore the human element to 32 general managers making decisions under pressure, it’s important to examine the various ways the 49ers can approach their options and break down different prospects fit.

Our four-round mock 4.0 has the 49ers targeting tremendous athletes with their first three picks before identifying depth players.

Round 1 (pick 9) | Derwin James | S | Florida State

Safety was arguably the strongest position on the roster last season and yet, there are always ways to improve a 6-10 team. Veteran Eric Reid wasn’t given the franchise tag and could be headed elsewhere on a long-term contract. Rookie Adrian Colbert filled in admirably to end the season but the need for depth throughout the roster is apparent.

(Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports)

James absolutely dominated the combine, including the measurements that teams want to see and the on-field capabilities in drills. At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, James looks like he’s built from a lab, with the explosiveness, power and speed to become an elite player. While he might not fit an immediate need, former safety John Lynch will have a hard time passing up such an impressive prospect – particularly with Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt entering the final years of their contracts.