The first rush of free agency has passed and the rest of the contracts given out will be for second- or third-tier players. The 49ers used general manager John Lynch’s strategy of being “aggressively prudent” to land four players, all at positions of need, to bolster an improving roster.

We’ve graded the initial signings and, while more may trickle in before the season begins, it seems safe to say the 49ers have done their spending. In doing so, Lynch landed starters in running back Jerick McKinnon, cornerback Richard Sherman and center Weston Richburg. Jeremiah Attaochu will likely compete for the LEO role with veteran Arik Armstead, Cassius Marsh, Eli Harold and possibly a draft selection.

The signings don’t necessarily change the team’s needs. They do, however, bring a sense of clarity to how the 49ers might be preparing their draft strategy. As the team’s plan comes more into focus, we’ll keep producing mock drafts of potential draft hauls. 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 5.0 lands an immediate starter on defense and then finds depth players that could grow into contributors in a hurry.

Round 1 (pick 9) | Tremaine Edmunds | LB | Virginia Tech

The 49ers’ moves in free agency met nearly every position of need. The team re-signed Brock Coyle, a spot-starter and depth piece at linebacker. The need for a long-term SAM remains. Edmunds (6-5, 253) has the size and versatility to plan any of the three linebacker positions on the 49ers. It just so happens that SAM is the position most in need of an upgrade.

(Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)

Edmunds will be 20 by the time the season starts and his athletic profile is unheard of. He’s the LeBron James of NFL players. That’s not to say he’s the best player of all time, but that there aren’t many players that can physically do what he can. Edmunds has long arms (34 ½-inches), impressive speed (4.54-second 40-yard dash) and has the technical proficiency to be an edge linebacker with some pass-rush responsibility. The flexibility that Edmunds affords a defense can’t be understated.