San Francisco 49ers' Initial 2015 Round-by-Round Draft Big Board
Determining what general manager Trent Baalke and the San Francisco 49ers will do in the 2015 NFL draft is about as difficult as determining what offensive scheme will be installed for this franchise this upcoming season.
The 49ers have yet to fill the void left by former head coach Jim Harbaugh, and other elements of the coaching staff are not determined either.
Whomever San Francisco employs at these respective positions, the 49ers do have some pressing needs that can be addressed this offseason. But as is the case with incumbent factors, it's impossible to gauge what those actions will be until the NFL draft kicks off on April 30 in Chicago.
Free agency, cap questions and the number of picks influence what Baalke will do come the draft.
San Francisco is slated for nine picks in 2015, per Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area. The first comes at No. 15, which is the highest the 49ers have selected since 2011. San Francisco is also expected to receive two complimentary picks due to a net loss of two qualifying free agents.
Here's the list from Maiocco:
- First round: Own pick
- Second round: Own pick
- Third round: Own pick
- Fourth round: Pick from Denver
- Fifth round: Own pick
- Sixth round: Own pick
- Sixth round: Possible compensatory pick
- Seventh round: Pick from Indianapolis
- Seventh round: Possible compensatory pick
Additionally, San Francisco will be alternating its own picks with the Miami Dolphins in subsequent rounds, as pointed out by David Fucillo of Niners Nation. The 49ers have the 15th pick in Rounds 1, 3, 5 and 7 while having the 14th in Rounds 2 and 6.
Thankfully, the 49ers do not have widespread needs across the board. Despite an 8-8 record in 2014, the majority of pieces are largely in place. San Francisco can count upon amicable depth as well.
But the needs that do exist require Baalke and the front office to take this draft class seriously.
Let's explore a detailed analysis of potential targets the 49ers have in a round-by-round scenario. Special attention will be given to the various needs, potential impact and the general fit each prospect will have within San Francisco's pending roster.
Round 1, Pick No. 15: Impact Wideout or D-Lineman
1 of 7There are two avenues of thought when it comes to evaluating San Francisco's actions in Round 1. Will the team look to impact its dreary 2014 passing offense by selecting a playmaking wide receiver, or will the 49ers go defense first by looking to reinforce a suddenly thin defensive line?
The first option is obviously the most attractive and speculated route.
San Francisco lacks speed on offense. There hasn't been a deep threat at the wide receiver position, and the likely departure of wideout Michael Crabtree via free agency opens up the possibility of a long-term addition here.
Ryan Sakamoto of NinerFans.com projects two particular candidates San Francisco could fill to address this receiving void: Louisville's DeVante Parker and West Virgina's Kevin White.
"#49ers are projected to draft in teens and two WRs with speed to consider are Louisville's Davante Parker and WVU's Kevin White.
— Ryan Sakamoto (@SakamotoRyan) December 22, 2014"
We'll get to those prospects in a moment, but it's plausible the 49ers go defense first. Defensive end Ray McDonald has been released after allegedly being involved in a sexual assault case late in the season. It has also been speculated that fellow DE Justin Smith will be retiring.
Second-year pro Tank Carradine will likely fill one of these voids at some point, but as Sean Meyers of Rant Sports writes, San Francisco should address this need "sooner rather than later."
Further consideration will be contingent on whether or not the 49ers stick with their 3-4 defense next year.
DeVante Parker, WR—Louisville
Parker probably won't slide to the 49ers at No. 15 in Round 1 given a number of higher-drafting teams needing to supplement this position.
But Parker does supply the right combination of size and speed that would make him a bona fide vertical and red-zone threat. San Francisco might be able to pull off a trade-up to grab Parker—something general manager Trent Baalke wasn't afraid to do in 2013 when the 49ers moved up to pick safety Eric Reid.
Kevin White, WR—West Virginia
If the 49ers stay put at No. 15, they could easily find White fall to them without having to make any sort of draft-day deal.
White is ranked as the 16th-best prospect, per CBS Sports, and Rob Rang of CBS Sports has him projected to fall as low as the 19th pick.
Dorial Green-Beckham, WR—Oklahoma
Rang's mock projects the 49ers selecting Oklahoma wideout Dorial Green-Beckham in Round 1. The 6'5", 225-pound prospect has plenty of upside, but off-the-field concerns obviously raise some flags here. These resulted in his dismissal from Missouri prior to 2014, per Dane Brugler of CBS Sports.
The 49ers have taken draft-day fliers on troubled talents before. But one has to wonder if recent consternation within San Francisco's locker room might convince the team to look elsewhere.
Vic Beasley, OLB/DE—Clemson
Dan Kadar of SB Nation switched things up a bit in his latest mock, suggesting the 49ers would go defense first in Round 1. His pick was outside linebacker Vic Beasley. Kadar writes:
"This may not fit a big need for the 49ers, but Beasley would be just too good to pass up with the 15th pick in the draft. No pass rusher in this year's class has his first step and ability to close on the ball carrier. With the top three wide receivers gone—and in an effort to mix up this mock draft a little more—Beasley would give them another weapon to get after the quarterback.
"
Beasley could add some more weight to his 235-pound frame, per Rang and Derek Stephens of CBS Sports, but both admit his pass-rushing talents are undeniable.
Malcom Brown, DT—Texas
The 49ers already have three defensive tackles through 2015—Ian Williams, Glenn Dorsey and Quinton Dial. It's feasible they move one of these players to the outside if needed.
But Brugler mocks Brown going to the 49ers at No. 15. It's not hard to see why. Brown has the physical ability to play any position along the D-line, and his personality and maturity are attributes that would benefit any team, per his CBS Sports profile page.
Round 2, Pick No. 14: Cornerback or Other High-Priority Need
2 of 7Round 2 could offer the 49ers another chance to beef up whatever area wasn't addressed in Round 1. Depending on their actions with their first pick, the 49ers could look for a second-round wideout or someone to reinforce the defensive line.
It's possible they go with a cornerback as well.
Veteran corners Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox are due to hit free agency this offseason. While it's possible the 49ers retain one or both of these players, they would be wise to reinforce this position after injuries riddled the secondary in 2014.
One has to consider developing depth at this position. Young defensive backs like Jimmie Ward, Dontae Johnson, Keith Reaser and Kenneth Acker reinforce San Francisco's secondary. Veteran corner Tramaine Brock should return from what was a lost year.
But adding a playmaking corner wouldn't be a bad move in Round 2.
Marcus Peters, CB—Washington
Washington cornerback Marcus Peters could be a nice fit for San Francisco in the second round—a possibility described in the above video.
Peters does have some character concerns, which resulted in him being dismissed from Washington toward the end of the season, per Rob Rang of CBS Sports.
This could force his stock to drop a bit and give the 49ers a chance to target him with the 14th pick in the round.
Jalen Collins, CB—LSU
LSU's Jalen Collins is a tall, lanky defensive back who will probably have to add some bulk to his 198-pound frame.
But this second-round prospect does have some flexibility in the secondary. Collins has experience at both the outside and at nickel, per his profile on CBS Sports. His coverage abilities are also worth watching.
Alex Carter, CB—Stanford
Cornerback Alex Carter is a tough, physical defensive back with aggressive tendencies that sometimes result in penalties. Hopefully this can be an area in which coaching helps him improve, but the combination of strength and size makes him enticing.
Carter could see himself climbing up the boards leading up to the draft, per CBS Sports, which would make any Round 2 selection of him a great value pick.
Jaelen Strong, WR—ASU
Arizona State wideout Jaelen Strong could go as high as a late first-round pick, or he could slip into the early parts of Round 2. This would mean the 49ers needing to execute a trade-up on Day 2 of the draft if the latter scenario occurs and San Francisco goes defense first in Round 1.
But Strong is an undeniable talent whose name summarizes what he brings to the table. While raw, Strong's 6'3", 215-pound frame makes him a worthy red-zone threat with plenty of speed to match.
DeForest Buckner, DE—Oregon
Should the 49ers target a wideout in the first round and put off their cornerback needs until later, the likely scenario would be for general manager Trent Baalke to stock up along the defensive line.
Here is where a player like Oregon defensive end DeForest Bucker makes some sense. He may not be a true pass-rusher, but his 6'6", 286-pound frame is enough to draw multiple blockers while allowing other pass-rushers to close the gap to opposing quarterbacks.
"The playoff has certainly earned Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner some money. Armstead just ran off though.
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) January 13, 2015"
Buckner has yet to declare though, so San Francisco will have to keep its eyes out if the talented DE stays at the collegiate level for another year.
Round 3, Pick No. 15: Offensive Line or Rounding Out Tier-1 Needs
3 of 7
Even with the likely free-agent departure of veteran left guard Mike Iupati, the 49ers appear to already have a plan in place when it comes to formulating their offensive line in 2015.
With Iupati gone, San Francisco will count upon the healthy return of center Daniel Kilgore to his starting position. This will move O-lineman Marcus Martin into a direct competition with fellow guard Brandon Thomas for the starting job at left tackle.
Still, one must accept the possibility that Martin's second pro year doesn't live up to expectations and/or Thomas doesn't work out after redshirting his rookie season.
It's a possibility examined by Gil Brandt of NFL.com, who writes that the O-line is one of San Francisco's top-three needs. This is especially important when considering right guard Alex Boone will be a free agent in 2016.
The O-line is a pressing need, but exactly how much remains to be seen. The 49ers could use their pick in Round 3 to address whichever area wasn't covered in the previous rounds, or they could look to draft a potential starter to provide a long-term solution at guard.
Tre' Jackson, OG—Florida State
Competing within the run-heavy and defensively talented SEC gives Florida State guard Tre' Jackson an edge when it comes to filling in with a potentially run-based 49ers offense.
The 6'4", 330-pound senior has good instincts and is a solid run-blocker, per Derek Stephens of CBS Sports.
Jackson is projected as a late second- or early third-round pick, per CBS Sports, which means a slip to the 49ers at No. 15 is a mere hope. But things do get fluid after the first two rounds, so it's not all that impossible.
Laken Tomlinson, RG—Duke
If Jackson is off the board at No. 15, Duke's Laken Tomlinson could be the type of developmental prospect the 49ers could use at the guard position.
Almost all of his collegiate experience has come at right guard, per Dane Brugler of CBS Sports. He is also raw, which would require some coaching for the 6'3", 320-pounder.
Jeremiah Poutasi, OT—Utah
Utah's Jeremiah Poutasi has the flexibility to play at either tackle position or as a guard. CBS Sports projects him to move to the inside, which gives San Francisco some added versatility along the O-line if needed.
The 6'6", 322-pound Poutasi would likely have to slip a bit into the third round for San Francisco to grab him.
Kevin Johnson, CB—Wake Forest
Like Poutasi, Wake Forest cornerback Kevin Johnson might have to slip a bit in order for the 49ers to select him at No. 15 in the round.
Johnson's 6'0", 175-pound frame is cause for concern, and the prospect needs to add some bulk to his frame to compete with some of the larger, more physical wideouts at the NFL level. But his coverage skills are excellent, which could make Johnson a Round 3 steal if available.
Gabe Wright, DT—Auburn
The 49ers might not have addressed long-term options for their D-line by Round 3, so it's possible that they look to find a potential impact pass-rushing player in this round.
Gabe Wright of Auburn could fit this mold. The 6'3", 284-pound Wright may not be the bona fide pass-rusher, having amassed just six sacks over four years, but he does have tremendous quickness and hands that could make life hell for NFL quarterbacks, per Rob Rang of CBS Sports.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Round 4, Pick No. 28 (from Denver Broncos): Running Back or Best Available
4 of 7
The 49ers receive the Denver Broncos' fourth-round pick thanks to a draft-day trade in 2014.
Denver is slated for the No. 28 pick in the draft, so barring any additional transactions, San Francisco is looking at a late-round selection in Round 4.
Hopefully the 49ers have addressed their most pressing needs by this point. Rounds 4 through 7 figure to be supplementary and developmental at best. Yet there are still some areas in which San Francisco could target based on its uncertain future at various positions.
Chief remaining among these is at running back. Frank Gore will hit free agency this offseason. While it would be nice for a 2015 return, there is no guarantee this is what San Francisco will do when considering contracts, the cap and ongoing developments for No. 2 back Carlos Hyde.
Hyde and Kendall Hunter are under contract for next season. But if Gore departs, the 49ers could look to the later rounds to find a supplementary piece at this position. The 2015 draft class is stocked with running back depth, so it wouldn't hurt to take a late-round flier here.
But if Gore does return—or if San Francisco finds another option—a running back becomes less of a priority. At this point, the 49ers' choice should be whichever player ranks atop the boards at No. 28 in the round.
David Johnson, RB—Northern Iowa
At 6'2" and 229 pounds, running back David Johnson has amicable size that would make him tough to bring down at the NFL level.
Dane Brugler of CBS Sports also highlights his pass-catching abilities and suggests that he could shift to tight end or H-back if placed into the right system. With the 49ers' concerns regarding their incumbent tight ends—yes, even Vernon Davis—this might not be a bad idea.
Matt Jones, RB—Florida
Running back Matt Jones is another 6'2" prospect with a big frame that makes him tough to bring down. Jones ran for 817 yards on 166 attempts in 2014 and has the downhill style that emulates what the 49ers were able to do with Gore and Hyde this season.
He also runs with patience, per Rob Rang of CBS Sports.
Jones might have to slip a bit if the 49ers are to grab him late in Round 4. But if he were available, Jones would be a nice bruising back to add to the mix of stalwart runners.
Dres Anderson, WR—Utah
It's feasible that San Francisco tabs multiple wideouts in this draft considering the uncertainty at this position in 2015 and beyond.
Utah's Dres Anderson is tall at 6'2", but his 190-pound frame could use some bulk. This didn't prevent him from a 1,000-plus-yard campaign at Utah in 2013 though.
Anderson also has speed, which is another likable commodity.
Tony Washington, OLB—Oregon
Could the 49ers strike gold with a late-round pass-rushing outside linebacker like they did with Aaron Lynch in 2013?
The need might not be as pressing when considering the tandem of Lynch and fellow linebacker Aldon Smith next season. But with veteran linebacker Ahmad Brooks a potential cap casualty, second-year pro Corey Lemonier not developing and versatile linebacker Dan Skuta a free agent, depth at linebacker seems to be an emerging need.
Oregon linebacker Tony Washington posted 13.5 sacks over four seasons with the Ducks. He is good in coverage and has the skill set that should translate over to the NFL level despite needing some consistency to his game.
Miles Dieffenbach, OG—Penn State
At 6'3" and 303 pounds, Penn State offensive guard Miles Dieffenbach could add to the 49ers' need along their O-line in 2015 and beyond.
Dieffenbach has a history of injuries, but he has plenty of strength that should translate over to the NFL level, per Brugler.
Round 5, Pick No. 15: Supplement Depth on Either Side of the Ball
5 of 7
Rounds 5 through 7 will assuredly be used on either depth options or project players as the 49ers see fit.
By this point, most of the pressing needs have already been answered. But as is so often the nature of NFL football, key components from latter rounds will be needed if the 49ers look to emulate the success of their depth from years prior.
There won't be a lot of high-profile needs in Round 5, but San Francisco can still find some proverbial "diamonds in the rough" within this round.
Quandre Diggs, CB—Texas
At 5'10" and 195 pounds, Texas cornerback Quandre Diggs doesn't exactly possess the ideal size for an NFL cornerback. But the 49ers have gotten away with undersized corners before, so targeting Diggs as a late-round prospect isn't a bad idea here.
Diggs could fill in at slot corner should the 49ers not find incumbent defensive back Jimmie Ward likable to the position.
And it never hurts to be heralded by Dane Brugler of CBS Sports as the top defensive back in the Big 12.
Wes Saxton, TE—South Alabama
The 49ers have some uncertainty at tight end next season and beyond. No. 1 tight end Vernon Davis had a horrendous season in 2014 and could be a cap casualty next year. No. 2 tight end Vance McDonald has yet to emerge as a pass-catching threat, and San Francisco has few options behind this tandem.
Tight end Wes Saxton might be raw, but the combination of size and speed could make him a matchup nightmare at the NFL level, per Rob Rang of CBS Sports.
Consider Saxton a low-risk, high-reward option for the 49ers should they choose to go this route in Round 5.
Corey Robinson, OT—South Carolina
San Francisco has its starting offensive tackles—Joe Staley and Anthony Davis—locked up for the long run. Backup tackle Jonathan Martin is also signed through 2015.
But adding some big depth here could prove some benefit. At 6'7" and 344 pounds, South Carolina offensive tackle Corey Robinson is that big of a guy. He has good strength but will need some coaching at the next level if he is to translate into a worthy roster addition.
Jarvis Harrison, OG—Texas A&M
Offensive guard Jarvis Harrison has flashed talent "worthy of Round 1 consideration," per his profile page on CBS Sports.
While the 6'3", 325-pound prospect from Texas A&M is a bit top-heavy, he does possess the ability to thrive in both run- and pass-blocking situations, per Rang.
Adding Harrison would make sense if the 49ers have not yet addressed O-line depth.
Karlos Williams, RB—Florida State
As stated previously, the decision to add another running back will be contingent upon the free-agent situation with Frank Gore. Should Gore depart, it wouldn't be surprising to see a late-round target at this position.
Florida State running back Karlos Williams has a ton of potential but is still raw, having converted from safety in 2013. He also has some off-the-field concerns.
Round 6, Pick No. 14 and Possible Compensatory Pick: Project Quarterback and Depth
6 of 7
San Francisco will likely enjoy two picks in Round 6—the first being its own at No. 14 and the other being a possible compensatory pick.
Compensatory picks are to be announced at the owners' meetings in March, per David Fucillo of Niners Nation.
There should be one last need for the 49ers regarding their projected 90-man roster heading into training camp: backup quarterback.
San Francisco will probably part ways with backup QB Blaine Gabbert, who is a free agent. And there isn't another developmental prospect on the roster. This opens up the door for a prospect to not only develop within a system behind incumbent starter Colin Kaepernick, but to also push the No. 1 signal-caller in a competition moving forward.
The choice of quarterback will be contingent on whichever head coach takes the 49ers' job in 2015 and how he views the system in which San Francisco's offense will operate.
Kaepernick will be a part of that system in the upcoming season, but it's feasible to prepare for a long-term replacement if his development falls short.
Sean Mannion, QB—Oregon State
Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion posted a 135.8 quarterback rating over four years with the Beavers.
Mannion is a traditional quarterback who possesses the skill set that would translate well into a pro-style of offense, per Rob Rang of CBS Sports. He's not mobile at all, but should the new head coach view this type of QB as the future in San Francisco, Mannion would be worth the look.
Cody Fajardo, QB—Nevada
On the flip side, Nevada's Cody Fajardo would be the moble-type of passer who can emulate most of what Kaepernick does under center.
Inserting a player like Fajardo makes sense if the 49ers want to build an offense around their incumbent's skill set. Fajardo's own skills emulate those of Kaepernick, per Dane Brugler of CBS Sports, which is both a good and bad thing.
Blake Sims, QB—Alabama
The Tide's Blake Sims might not project as an NFL-level quarterback, but he does possess an intriguing set of skills that could work within a system built around what Kaepernick can do.
Sims has a powerful arm, mobility and can extend plays outside of the pocket. He's unrefined given that he only had one full season as a starter, but this is supposed to be a project player, right?
Devante Davis, WR—UNLV
San Francisco gets two picks in this round, so it's possible the team adds a safety net to back up some of its earlier picks should they not pan out.
Wide receiver Devante Davis out of UNLV is an enticing late-round option who posted 1,290 receiving yards in 2013—third in the Mountain West Conference that year.
Davis is more of a physical-contact receiver than a speed guy, so his selection would merely be to add depth and competition at this position.
Adrian Amos, FS—Penn State
Safety won't be a primary concern for the 49ers in 2015 with the stellar combination of Eric Reid and Antoine Bethea under contract. But depth is an issue when evaluating Reid's concussion history and the fact that backup safety Craig Dahl could be a cap casualty.
Penn State safety Adrian Amos is a nice prospect to fill the backup void. He's got a good frame and plays with explosiveness, per Brugler.
It also doesn't hurt having some return experience as well.
Round 7, Pick from Indianapolis Colts and Possible Compensatory Pick: Best Options
7 of 7
The 49ers' selections in Round 7 have yet to be determined. San Francisco traded away its own pick in the round but landed the Indianapolis Colts' Round 7 selection from the 2013 trade of linebacker Cam Johnson, per Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area.
Indianapolis is still in the playoff mix, so we won't know exactly where this pick lands. The possible compensatory pick also has yet to be determined.
With two picks in the round, San Francisco will have the luxury to select some project players who at best could work their way into a legitimate role. Some may be destined for the practice squad. All will provide some level of competition as the team formulates its 90-man roster for training camp.
Jordan Taylor, WR—Rice
There is something nice about a 6'5", 210-pound wideout when considering red-zone threats. This is where Rice wideout Jordan Taylor comes in. He isn't a top-tier prospect by any means, and he doesn't boast the best breakaway speed. But the size alone is worth a flier.
Taylor averaged 15.6 yards per reception in 2014 and has 20 career touchdowns over a four-year span.
Terrence Magee, RB—LSU
At 5'9" and 218 pounds, LSU's Terrence Magee is a tough, stocky running back who is difficult to bring down.
Like any potential 49ers draftee at this position, Magee coming to San Francisco will hinge on the offseason. But Magee does have some upside should the new coaching staff employ a variety of different-look backs on its roster.
Brian Mihalik, DE—Boston College
Defensive end Brian Mihalik is a beast of a specimen—6'9" and 288 pounds. He doesn't necessarily have the skill set that would suggest his size is an asset, but the 49ers could coach him into a situational player to supply defensive depth at the outside.
His name is worth watching late during the draft, per Joe Micik of Fansided.com.
Aundrey Walker, OG—USC
If the 49ers are looking for an uber-backup player along the offensive line, USC's Aundrey Walker could fit the bill. This 6'6", 315-pound prospect has long arms and a solid build, per Rob Rang of CBS Sports, but isn't as nimble in closed spaces.
Versatility makes him an enticing possibility given he can play any position along the line, but injury concerns have thwarted his draft stock.
C.J. Olaniyan, OLB—Penn State
As stated before, the 49ers won't put too much of an emphasis at outside linebacker when considering the pass-rushing prowess of Aldon Smith and Aaron Lynch. But the depth here could be of concern.
Penn State's C.J. Olaniyan might not boast the best strength and power at this position, but he does display a "relentless approach and quickness," per Dane Brugler of CBS Sports.
As a defensive end for Penn State in 2013, Olaniyan boasted five sacks and 11 tackles for a loss.
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.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
