San Francisco 49ers 2015 NFL Offseason Draft Scouting Guide
2015 marks a year in which the San Francisco 49ers will need to make some big splashes in the upcoming NFL draft.
An 8-8 season marked the first time since 2011 that the 49ers were granted with a pick in the teens. San Francisco was able to trade into this area in 2013, but it won't have to do so this year.
Numerous pressing needs make this an important class for general manager Trent Baalke and the yet-to-be-determined 49ers coaching staff. Key free agents, needed upgrades and depth culminate to present Baalke with the necessary job of landing some bona fide talent.
So which targets ultimately fit into San Francisco's priority list?
The 2015 NFL draft starts on April 30. There is plenty of time between now and then to determine exactly which collegiate prospects the 49ers will scout.
The NFL Scouting Combine will also offer some insight into these critical determinations.
But let's take a look at San Francisco's situation, draft selections and needs. This context will provide the criteria necessary in determining some worthy prospects who could wind up calling San Francisco home in 2015.
2015 NFL Draft: San Francisco's Picks
1 of 9
The 49ers are slated to have nine picks in the 2015 NFL draft—the fewest the franchise has enjoyed since 2012.
Their No. 15 pick marks the highest selection the 49ers will have since 2011.
Per David Fucillo of Niners Nation, the 49ers will alternate their own picks with the Miami Dolphins in subsequent rounds—No. 15 in Rounds 1, 3, and 5 while having the 14th pick in Rounds 2 and 6.
San Francisco traded away its own fourth-round pick in exchange for wide receiver Stevie Johnson, and that pick likely stays a fourth-rounder based on Fucillo's assessment. The 49ers dealt their Round 7 pick in exchange for offensive tackle Jonathan Martin.
Here's the full list of picks, courtesy of Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area:
- First Round: Own Pick
- Second Round: Own Pick
- Third Round: Own Pick
- Fourth Round: Pick from Denver Broncos
- Fifth Round: Own Pick
- Sixth Round: Own Pick
- Sixth Round: Possible compensatory pick
- Seventh Round: Pick from Indianapolis Colts
- Seventh Round: Possible compensatory pick
"#49ers expect to have nine draft picks, beginning with No. 15 overall. http://t.co/oY9eECHv8h
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) December 30, 2014"
The two compensatory picks result from a net loss of two free agents—cornerback Tarell Brown, safety Donte Whitner and running back Anthony Dixon, while gaining safety Antoine Bethea—and are expected to be in the sixth and seventh rounds, per Maiocco.
We'll know more about these picks at the March NFL owners' meetings.
The Denver Broncos' fourth-rounder resulted in a 2014 draft-day exchange, and the seventh came from the 2013 trade of linebacker Cam Johnson.
Team Need No. 1: Wide Receiver
2 of 9There are those who will argue that the 49ers need to focus on their defense in Round 1, and they may be right.
Prior to Week 15, I had the pleasure of speaking with Hall of Famer Jerry Rice about some of the 49ers' pressing needs this offseason. He mentioned the necessity of targeting a speed receiver early in the draft. If Rice's assessment focuses on this offensive element, that's good enough for me.
A significant number of mocks also list the 49ers selecting a playmaking wideout in Round 1. Let's get to the targets in a second, but first we must establish the context.
The 49ers' receiving game ranked No. 30 in the league in 2014 with just 3,063 yards. This wasn't much of a step in the right direction from the team's same placement the previous year (2,979) despite the addition of wideouts like Brandon Lloyd, Stevie Johnson and Bruce Ellington.
Lloyd and fellow receiver Michael Crabtree will likely depart this offseason via free agency. That leaves, for the most part, a slow crop of targets who do not possess the impact speed San Francisco desires.
Unlike last year, 2015 does not offer the deepest of classes at the wide receiver position.
This means the 49ers will have to be aggressive if they want to select a top-tier prospect early on.
Top-Tier Targets
DeVante Parker, Louisville
Louisville wideout DeVante Parker would be an ideal candidate for the 49ers to fill this void. At 6'3" and 208 pounds, he possesses both size and speed ideal for what San Francisco is seeking.
"@JLongshore25 He'd be interesting but I think DeVante Parker is the best option for 49ers. Diggs is explosive though. Also on bubble screen.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_PPI) December 31, 2014"
But Parker is ranked as the No. 2 wideout in this class, per CBS Sports. A number of other teams—the Oakland Raiders, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings—could all look for a receiver in Round 1.
Parker might not be on the board by the time the 49ers draft at No. 15. But it would be a gift if he was.
Kevin White, West Virginia
Another speedster who would probably be an ideal, and realistic, selection for San Francisco is West Virginia's Kevin White.
White is 6'3" and 209 pounds and also boasts incredible speed, although not quite that of Parker.
SB Nation's Dan Kadar suspects White will land in San Francisco in his latest mock, which isn't surprising considering that CBS Sports ranks him as the No. 15 overall prospect.
"We've got @mockingthedraft's latest mock draft. Is Kevin White the right choice for the 49ers? http://t.co/ut4AmbnRuD
— Niners Nation (@NinersNation) December 30, 2014"
Jaelen Strong, ASU
ASU's Jaelen Strong is another interesting prospect upon. At 6'4" and 212 pounds, he has the size and athleticism to make for a promising wideout in a system that incorporates him effectively.
Rob Rang of CBS Sports also cites his excellent breakaway speed, which is something San Francisco desperately needs. But Rang also notes that Strong isn't the best route-runner.
Rawness is a part of numerous prospects' assessments. The same could have been said about Carolina Panthers' wideout Kelvin Benjamin.
Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma
Selecting Oklahoma's Dorial Green-Beckham is another plausible option for the 49ers if they are targeting a wideout who combines both size and speed. The 6'6", 225-pound receiver is a physical specimen who could emerge as a legitimate deep threat.
Rang mocks the 49ers as selecting him with their 15th pick in Round 1.
But Green-Beckham comes with some concerns. According to Dane Brugler of CBS Sports, he has some work-ethic and off-the-field issues that the 49ers may want to avoid given the turbulent nature of the franchise of late.
Additional Options
Should the 49ers focus on defense or the offensive line first, the wide receiver need will get pushed to the latter stages of the draft. As noted before, this class isn't as deep, which creates a bit more of a risk for San Francisco's plans.
But if the 49ers target a wideout in later rounds, they might consider the following:
Vince Mayle, Washington State
The 6'3", 219-pounder has plenty of likable attributes at the wide receiver position. He posted 1,483 receiving yards on 106 receptions for Washington State in 2014, which suggests he could be a bona fide No. 1 target.
But the problem is that Mayle lacks ideal breakaway speed off the line.
Mayle is slated to be a late second- or early third-round pick, per CBS Sports.
Dres Anderson, Utah
Wide receiver Dres Anderson doesn't have the ideal bulk that teams would ideally like at this position. His 6'2", 190-pound frame is about as lean as it gets, but he does possess the ability to be a vertical threat, per his profile on CBS Sports.
Anderson isn't exactly the best playmaker, though. So unless the 49ers have a backup plan in place, it would be hard to see the Utah player making a serious case for being a long-term option in San Francisco.
Team Need No. 2: Defensive Line
3 of 9San Francisco's D-line suddenly joined the upper echelon of needs at the end of the 2014 season.
Two factors played into this. First, there was defensive end Ray McDonald's release following his alleged involvement in a sexual assault case. Then there was the announcement that fellow end Justin Smith could be calling it a career after this season.
What was once a pre-eminent strength of the 49ers defense has suddenly turned into a major question mark.
It's impossible to determine just how significant of a concern the D-line will be come draft day. Smith may elect to stick around for another season. Two-year pro Tank Carradine could emerge as an everyday starter.
The 49ers could also entertain moving one of their three nose tackles to the outside. Ian Williams, Glenn Dorsey and Quinton Dial are all vying for snaps next season.
But Smith could retire, and Carradine was scantly used on defense this season; he may not be ready to assume a full-time role.
We'll know more as time moves along, but let's assume the worst.
Top-Tier Targets
Malcom Brown, Texas
Dane Brugler of CBS Sports projects the 49ers to draft Texas D-lineman Malcom Brown with the 15th overall pick in 2014.
Brown has not declared yet, but if he does and the 49ers go that route, San Francisco would be forced to bank on a lower-tier wideout in the later rounds.
"Malcom Brown to @SlaterESPN on leaving for NFL: “I don’t know yet. I’m still thinking about it."
— Orangebloods.com (@OBWire) December 30, 2014"
The 6'4, 320-pound junior has the physical abilities to dominate any position along the line, and he would be a tremendous asset to any team that drafts him. But he is also slated to be a late first- or an early second-round pick, per CBS Sports.
Would the 49ers be drafting too high if Brugler's mock is correct?
Arik Armstead, Oregon
At 6'8" and 290 pounds, defensive end Arik Armstead is perhaps the most enticing defensive prospect coming out of the University of Oregon.
He had 37 tackles in three seasons with the Ducks and posted 4.5 sacks.
""He's a first-round talent... a 6-foot-8, 290-pound freak." -NFL GM -->http://t.co/cOIC7Pwg0C pic.twitter.com/XEQlQ9qKOW
— CollegeFootball 24/7 (@NFL_CFB) December 26, 2014"
The junior has yet to declare for the draft, but speculation ranges that he could be a second-round pick or as high as a first-rounder, per Joe Davidson of The Sacramento Bee.
Like Brown, the 49ers would be negating their need for a wide receiver in Round 1 if Armstead went that high. But a potential trade-up from their second-round selection—barring he drops low enough—could bring Armstead's services to San Francisco.
Mario Edwards Jr., Florida State
Florida State defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. would be more of a mid-round pick in the second, which means he could easily fall to the 49ers at No. 14 in Round 2.
The 6'3", 294-pound D-lineman has the flexibility to play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme, per Derek Stephens of CBS Sports, which would give the 49ers some options should they ever elect to change their defensive makeup.
"Depending on coaching staff and if J. Smith retires, #49ers might look to play more 4-3 in 2015. Get Willis, Bowman, Borland on field.
— Leading The League (@LeadingLeague) December 28, 2014"
Edwards' primary concern, according to Stephens, is that he lacks a multitude of pass-rushing moves. He has plenty of room to improve in this area and is quite raw based on the scouting report.
But he was able to amass eight sacks and 12 tackles for a loss over three seasons at Florida State.
Additional Options
A cornerback could be a target of the 49ers in Round 2, which would push the D-line down into subsequent rounds.
Unlike 2014, the cornerback position is pretty thin this year. It's easy to assume San Francisco takes a defensive back prior to someone along the D-line.
If this happens, here are some depth options for the defensive front.
Devonte Fields, TCU
Defensive end Devonte Fields posted 10 sacks for TCU in 2012, which ranked No. 3 in the Big 12 that season. But off-the-field issues and injuries hindered his subsequent campaigns in 2013 and 2014.
Fields is projected as a Round 4 target by CBS Sports. His 6'4", 250-pound frame could use a little bulk, but he does have excellent technique, according to Brugler.
Henry Anderson, Stanford
Stanford DE Henry Anderson could be a late-round flier for the 49ers if they are looking for some added depth or a long-term prospect who could eventually be worked into a more prominent role.
Anderson will likely go in Round 5 or 6, according to CBS Sports, but his 6'6", 287-pound build is enticing enough to suggest the physical abilities are there.
The senior posted 16.5 sacks and 17 tackles for a loss over four seasons with the Cardinal. He also boasts a wide arm span, which is something defensive line coaches love.
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Team Need No. 3: Cornerback
4 of 9The cornerback position rounds out the last of three possibilities the 49ers will explore early.
This need may not be as pressing depending on what happens with free agents like Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox, and a depleted secondary still ranked No. 5 in the NFL with 3,531 passing yards allowed.
But if the 49ers focus on the defense in an attempt to upgrade the secondary, a number of the following cornerbacks might wind up as plausible options.
Top-Tier Targets
Trae Waynes, Michigan State
A 6'1", 182-pound cornerback might be the 49ers' No. 1 pick in the 2015 draft if the team feels as if Trae Waynes is too good to pass up.
The Michigan State project plays with a tough mindset and possesses natural ball skills, per Dane Brugler of CBS Sports. He is also projected to be the 16th-best prospect on CBS' rankings.
"15 #49ers: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State The one weakness on that strong defense. Retooling now that Willis may not be part of that D.
— 2015 NFL Draft (@DraftRT) December 26, 2014"
Yet his size is concerning. While the height is desirable, Waynes may need to add some bulk to his frame in order to compete at the NFL level.
Marcus Peters, Washington
Disruptions with Washington's coaching staff could prompt the 49ers to pass on cornerback Marcus Peters, who is slated to be a late first- or early second-round pick, per CBS Sports.
But there is no doubting the 6'0", 190-pound cornerback's talent.
In three collegiate seasons, Peters posted 95 solo tackles, 20 passes defended and 11 interceptions.
His declaration could make him a nice fit for San Francisco's defensive backfield, as discussed in the video above.
Additional Options
Doran Grant, Ohio State
Cornerback Doran Grant posted five interceptions his senior year at Ohio State and has nine total over his four-year collegiate career.
The ball-hawking skills would assist a 49ers team that led the league in 2015 with 23 interceptions.
Brugler cites his patience and ball skills as his best accolades yet recognizes that he is a bit raw.
A third-round target at the earliest, Grant would be a solid option if he was on the board for the 49ers at that point or later.
Josh Shaw, USC
A fourth-round prospect, USC cornerback Josh Shaw could be another late-round option for the 49ers to develop along with the young defensive backs already on their roster.
Shaw has tremendous football knowledge and instincts, per Rob Rang of CBS Sports. He also has the versatility to shift back and forth between cornerback and safety, which gives San Francisco's secondary a little more flexibility.
His 6'1", 200-pound frame is also notable.
Team Need No. 4: Offensive Line
5 of 9San Francisco's offensive line will be structured largely upon what transpires this offseason and how the franchise views incumbent players on the roster.
It's likely that veteran left guard Mike Iupati departs via free agency. His price tag will probably be too much for the 49ers to entertain.
In-house options give the 49ers some options here. With center Daniel Kilgore returning from a leg injury next season, fellow lineman Marcus Martin should shift over to a competition for left guard in Iupati's stead. He'll compete alongside Brandon Thomas, who was redshirted his rookie season in 2014.
Backup O-lineman Joe Looney is another option, albeit less desirable.
The 49ers probably won't spend an early-round pick on their O-line, but a mid- to late-round flier is something that could be expected depending on how the new coaching staff views the upcoming competition folding out.
Possible Targets
Jarvis Harrison, Texas A&M
Initial quickness is what makes left guard Jarvis Harrison out of Texas A&M special, according to Rob Rang of CBS Sports. Harrison's 6'4", 330-pound frame helps him with his strength, and he possesses strong abilities in both run and pass protection.
But Rang also admits that Harrison struggles to sustain his blocks after initial contact.
Texas A&M has produced plenty of notable O-linemen in recent seasons, so perhaps Harrison will fit that mold if the 49ers are seeking some production in this line.
Miles Dieffenbach, Penn State
Another gritty O-lineman worth considering is Miles Dieffenbach out of Penn State.
At 6'3" and 303 pounds, he doesn't quite have elite size, but his strength is worthwhile. He started 23 games at left guard entering the 2014 season, but injuries hampered his most recent campaign, per Dane Brugler of CBS Sports.
"Penn State senior OG Miles Dieffenbach is out for the rest of the game. He missed most of the season after tearing an ACL in spring practice
— Dr. Saturday (@YahooDrSaturday) December 27, 2014"
Dieffenbach could easily be picked up in Round 4 or 5.
Corey Robinson, South Carolina
San Francisco could target a giant of an offensive tackle by selecting South Carolina's Corey Robinson in Round 5.
Robinson is 6'8" and 344 pounds but moves with good agility and coordination, per Rang.
Rang admits that Robinson won't be a Pro Bowler any time soon, but his versatility along the line and surprising athleticism could make him worthy of a starting role if the situation dictated such.
Team Need No. 5: Running Back
6 of 9Running back shouldn't be a position of significant need heading into 2015. Even if veteran running back Frank Gore doesn't return next season, the 49ers can count upon the one-two combination of backs Carlos Hyde and Kendall Hunter—both of whom are under contract.
Gore's future with the 49ers will ultimately decide how the franchise approaches this position in the draft.
Yet San Francisco could entertain the addition of a back who offers some different looks out of the backfield.
Possible Targets
Matt Jones, Florida
A 6'2", 235-pound back like Matt Jones possesses the size that would make for a difficult tackling assignment for any opposing defense.
"Florida RB Matt Jones is a fun player to watch. Not completely sure where I stand on his prospects, but pretty smart, physical player.
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) December 11, 2014"
Jones projects as a fourth-round pick, per CBS Sports.
Karlos Williams, Florida State
Florida State's Karlos Williams would be a nice low-risk, high-reward option if San Francisco was looking for added depth at running back.
He showcased plenty of talent against Oregon during the Rose Bowl, and he would be an enticing pick in Round 5.
"Karlos Williams showing today why many draft analysts had him as one of the top RBs coming into the year. Easily his best game of the season
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) January 2, 2015"
Dane Brugler and Derek Stephens of CBS Sports note that he could be a worthy NFL prospect if he can improve his technique: "Williams has the natural burst, agility and hungry streak that makes him appealing to NFL scouts and could land him in the draft's top 50. Has the talent to be an elite running back at the next level if he can continue to improve."
Team Need No. 6: Tight End
7 of 9The tight end position is another uncertainty heading into 2015. A disappointing season from 30-year-old veteran Vernon Davis could result in him becoming a cap casualty next season. No. 2 tight end Vance McDonald hasn't exactly emerged as a bona fide receiving threat either.
Free agency might not offer the best options for a replacement, and it doesn't help that the draft class at this position is relatively thin.
Davis might return in 2015 since there aren't too many other options. But the 49ers might want to consider a project who could eventually work his way up toward a starting role if no other options surface.
Possible Targets
Wes Saxton, South Alabama
A fourth- or a fifth-round pick could be enough to land South Alabama's Wes Saxton—a tight end who amassed 1,126 receiving yards in three collegiate seasons.
Saxton has great speed and physicality, which makes him a "matchup nightmare," per Rob Rang of CBS Sports. But he is raw and will require a lot of coaching at the NFL level, which means he won't emerge as a starter anytime soon.
C.J. Uzomah, Auburn
Tight end C.J. Uzomah's stat sheet doesn't suggest a legitimate receiving threat prospect who would entice any high bidders during the draft. He caught just 27 passes for 413 yards and six touchdowns in four seasons at Auburn.
But his CBS Sports' profile lists him as a versatile H-back and slot-receiving option in addition to his tight end position—versatility that makes him an enticing prospect if developed in the correct manner.
Team Need No. 7: Quarterback
8 of 9The 49ers would like to have a quarterback who can be developed to provide competition behind incumbent QB Colin Kaepernick in 2015.
No. 2 quarterback Blaine Gabbert won't return to San Francisco in 2015. And that means there will be an opening to fill either through free agency or the draft.
The 49ers could pursue both routes this offseason, so a late-round pick could be used to pick up an enticing developmental prospect.
Possible Targets
Sean Mannion, Oregon State
Quarterback Sean Mannion does not possess the mobility that Kaepernick has. He is much more of a traditional pocket passer, but he has good accuracy and touch, per Rob Rang of CBS Sports. Rang does point out that the Oregon State quarterback has some issues within the pocket when his primary option is not open.
Mannion will likely be picked up in the fifth or sixth round, per CBS Sports, and a selection here would indicate some serious consideration that the 49ers are looking at a different look from their quarterback position.
This will depend on the approach taken by whoever takes over as head coach for San Francisco in 2015.
Blake Sims, Alabama
The Tide's Blake Sims does not look as if he'll be an NFL-caliber quarterback. But he does possess a lot of the same characteristics of Kaepernick—mobility, a strong arm and the ability to make big plays.
These attributes combined to give him a 64.8 completion percentage and six rushing touchdowns in 2014.
At 6'0" and 208 pounds, there are concerns about his height. But NFL quarterbacks with his skill set have thrived despite their short stature: Seattle's Russell Wilson is a prime example.
Fluidity
9 of 9
San Francisco's needs will ultimately change as the team approaches and moves through free agency.
Depending on how the 49ers retain free agents or sign new ones, the ultimate draft strategy will change in the months and weeks leading up to the 2015 NFL draft.
Let's take a brief look back at what the early list of needs are and what will likely remain after the free-agent period.
A top-tier wideout still remains a priority given the current situation on San Francisco's roster. While wideouts Anquan Boldin, Stevie Johnson, Quinton Patton and Bruce Ellington are under contract, the 49ers still need a speedy wideout who can double as a legitimate red-zone threat.
There is also the knowledge that the 34-year-old Boldin could be gone after his 2015 contract-year season.
The D-line also remains a pressing need, given defensive end Justin Smith's uncertain future.
"#49ers Justin Smith declined to talk to the media today. He has not yet publicly shared his thoughts on retirement.
— Mindi Bach (@MBachCSN) December 29, 2014"
Smith's decision and the release of DE Ray McDonald have forced the 49ers' hand. They'll need a long-term solution here despite promising late-season play from two-year veteran Tank Carradine.
Cornerback is less pressing given that San Francisco has plenty of young, developing talent at this position. Drafting another cornerback will depend on how the front office feels about the development of young players like Dontae Johnson, Jimmie Ward, Keith Reaser and Kenneth Acker.
The decision will also be contingent on the re-signing of cornerbacks Perrish Cox and Chris Culliver.
A similar situation surrounds how to handle the offensive line, specifically with the future of left guard Mike Iupati and the subsequent competition behind him.
Remaining needs are going to be determined by what happens in coming months. They are nowhere near as pressing, but they can't be ignored either. It will be a matter of risk versus reward.
But here are the needs as of now. Exactly how the 49ers elect to make these additions remains to be seen. Yet a strong draft will put the franchise into a stronger position regardless of all that transpired in the wake of 2014.
All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated. Supplemental draft information courtesy of CBS Sports.
Peter Panacy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the San Francisco 49ers. Be sure to check out his entire archive on 49ers news, insight and analysis.
Follow him @PeterPanacy on Twitter.
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