San Francisco 49ers Mock Draft: Retooling the Roster for Another Super Bowl Run
157. Alex Forsyth, OC, Oregon
The San Francisco 49ers have some major question marks on the interior offensive line. Aaron Banks and Spencer Burford have played well, but are they long term answers at the position? Even if they are, offensive line depth is always a must and using the No. 157 overall pick on Alex Forsyth out of Oregon helps in a number of ways.
Forsyth played center primarily for Oregon, but he has experience playing both right guard and left guard in the past. Most interior offensive linemen can play all three positions, though there are some unique skills required for playing center. Grabbing Forsyth at this point in the mock draft allows the 49ers to address a potential need at guard and also gives them an insurance policy at center.
Forsyth has solid size at 6-foot-3 and 303 pounds and has shown an ability to consistently make blocks at the second level. He has enough quickness and athleticism to attack linebackers in space and is not a plodder like some of the other linemen in this class.
The former Duck won’t be a day one starter, but he won’t have to be, given the talent in front of him. He has the measurables and talent to be a regular starter for San Francisco eventually.
166. Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland
We wouldn’t describe cornerback as an immediate need for the 49ers considering the talent they have in Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir, but you can never have enough talented defensive backs on your roster. With the No. 166 overall pick, the Niners grab one of the fastest players in this year’s class in Jakorian Bennett out of Maryland.
Bennett is a bit undersized at 5-foot-10 and 188 pounds but he has incredible speed, having ran a 4.3 second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. This speed has gotten him a mention on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List, as has his vertical and broad jump, being in the 95th or better percentile at his position.
The former Terrapin won’t overwhelm you with physicality, but he is a willing tackler and his elite speed allows him to make plays from sideline-to-sideline. He may rely a bit too much on his speed, but the Niners development staff will make changing that a priority. That same speed can allow him to contribute straight away on special teams and he can make an impact from day one.
173. Jaxon Player, DT, Baylor
Similar to cornerback, defensive tackle is not the most pressing need for the 49ers, but Arik Armstead has dealt with some injuries and Javon Kinlaw has not lived up to expectations, so an influx of talent is needed there. Jaxon Player out of Baylor is an intriguing prospect who may be raw around the edges but has plenty of talent and ability.
With the No. 173 overall pick in this mock draft, the 49ers grab the stout defensive tackle and hope that he provides some great depth at the very least. Player was a three-star prospect coming out of high school and spent four years at Tulsa before transferring to Baylor as a fifth-year senior. He was a rotational player for the Bears but showed a great motor, high effort, and solid burst and quickness when needed.
Player measures in at 6-foot and 300 pounds and ran an impressive 4.8 second 40-yard dash. Scouts are split on his draft stock as some have him as a day three pick while others have him going undrafted. What makes Player intriguing is that he provides some interior pass rush and he uses his quickness and athleticism with great effect. He will need some coaching and development of his pass rush repertoire but the physical talent is there and provides a great foundation for him to become an impact player.