49ers' Draft Scouting Guide for the 2015 Senior Bowl

The San Francisco 49ers will have plenty of prospects on their radar as their scouts observe the 2015 Reese's Senior Bowl.

The Senior Bowl—which takes place on January 24 in Mobile, Alabama—will give scouts an added insight into the specific skill sets from senior talent entering the 2015 NFL draft.

It's the raw abilities that will be on display here. Since many of these players have not played with each other, the familiarity won't be there, and we may see some odd moments as always. But the true efforts from each prospect will be what strikes the most attention.

San Francisco does have some pressing needs to address this offseason.

The 49ers, under new head coach Jim Tomsula, will look to add some speed at the wide receiver position. This is an area which has lacked explosiveness in recent years. Additionally, the 49ers could use some help along their defensive line and within their secondary.

Offensive line considerations also cannot be overlooked given the attrition that beset this unit over the course of 2014.

Which players will draw attention from San Francisco's scouts?

Let's try to answer that.

Running Back

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David Johnson projects as a late fourth-round pick whose versatility makes him an excellent pass-catcher.

The running back position might not be as high a priority for the 49ers this season. But if veteran back Frank Gore signs elsewhere during the offseason, San Francisco could feasibly look to add a prospect to back up returning runners Carlos Hyde and Kendall Hunter in 2015.

This year's draft class is particularly deep at running back, which offers San Francisco a perfect opportunity to dip into some legitimate talent.

New head coach Jim Tomsula has hinted at running the ball more in 2015, per Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee. This would lead us to believe that the 49ers would use one of their nine expected draft picks to select a back that would fit into their offensive plans.

David Johnson, Northern Iowa

At 6'2" and 229 pounds, Northern Iowa running back David Johnson is a beast of a specimen whose physical attributes make him tough to tackle. 

Johnson doesn't have elite speed or elusiveness per his draft profile on CBSSports.com, but he does offer versatility that makes him an effective pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Dane Brugler of CBS Sports suggests that Johnson could emerge as an H-back of sorts at the next level, which would give the 49ers an opportunity to add him to an offense that largely lacked creativity in 2014.

Johnson is projected as a late fourth- or early fifth-round selection, per CBSSports.com.

Cameron Artis-Payne, Auburn

Running against SEC defenses is always a tough bill, and Auburn back Cameron Artis-Payne is one such prospect that could garner some attention in Round 3 should the 49ers elect to spend a pick here.

While drafting a RB that high isn't likely, Artis-Payne's 5'10", 210-pound frame helped him rush for over 1,600 yards in his senior season with the Tigers. 

Jeremy Langford, Michigan State

San Francisco could also target Michigan State running back Jeremy Langford in the middle rounds if it wanted to add some depth at this position.

Langford is another runner who crested 1,500 yards in 2014. While not necessarily shifty nor patient, Langford has the workhorse-style ability that would fit into a power-running scheme, per Brugler—something similar to what the 49ers should do next season.

Brugler also highlights Langford's abilities in pass protection, which is another element San Francisco's offense prizes out of its backs.

Offensive Guard

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Nov 1, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Laken Tomlinson (77) blocks at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco's offensive line might not have an immediate need heading into 2015, but there are some concerns here.

First, it is likely that left guard Mike Iupati departs the team via free agency this offseason. His price tag will simply be too high for what the cap-pressed 49ers can afford. 

The 49ers do have a backup plan in place, however. Center Daniel Kilgore will likely return to his old position after suffering a season-ending leg injury in Week 7. This will shift fellow O-lineman Marcus Martin over to a direct competition with 2014 draftee Brandon Thomas for the No. 1 left guard position.

But right guard Alex Boone has just one more year on his current contract and is an unrestricted free agent in 2016. It would be best to address this need sooner rather than later.

Laken Tomlinson, Duke

Depending on how the 49ers view their situation along the O-line in 2015 and beyond, general manager Trent Baalke could elect to spend a third-round draft pick to add some bulk to a unit that endured plenty of attrition this season.

Duke offensive guard Laken Tomlinson has some specific attributes that would fit into a tough, physical O-line.

Tomlinson is a bit raw and will require some coaching at the NFL level, but Dane Brugler of CBS Sports does cite his NFL-type body as something that should draw attention come the draft.

Tre' Jackson, Florida State

Florida State's Tre' Jackson is another impressive guard whose physicality and strength fit into a tough, powerful offensive line.

He'll likely be drafted ahead of Tomlinson, per CBSSports.com, but if the 49ers are looking at their O-line as a more pressing need than initially thought, we could see Baalke pounce on a guy like Jackson somewhere between Rounds 2 and 3.

Shaquille Mason, Georgia Tech

If you are looking for a potential sleeper pick, Georgia Tech offensive guard Shaquille Mason is about as enticing a prospect as there is in the Senior Bowl.

Mason is 6'1" and 311 pounds, which makes him a bit undersized at the position. But Brugler cites him as one of the top offensive players to watch during the Senior Bowl. Brugler writes:

"

Like offensive skill players in Baylor's offense, it's tough to properly evaluate offensive line play in the Yellow Jackets triple option offense. But Mason's balanced athleticism and mean streak routinely stood out at guard for Georgia Tech, making his transition to a pro-style scheme intriguing. Mason is currently flying under the radar, but I'll bet he's a 'riser' after Mobile.

"

Currently, Mason is projected to be a seventh-round pick come the draft. He could even be had as an undrafted free agent, which makes Mason a low-risk, high-reward option should his stock not rise significantly. 

Cornerback

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Senquez Golson's (right) small stature is a concern, but his ball-hawk skills are not an issue.

Like the running back position, the 49ers' offseason plans to reinforce this area via the draft will hinge on their abilities to re-sign top cornerbacks Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox.

Both are set to become free agents. While Cox is the cheaper of the two, salary considerations might force San Francisco to part ways with both of these talented backs.

The 49ers do have some depth at this position. But injuries relegated young up-and-comers like Jimmie Ward, Keith Reaser and Kenneth Acker to the sidelines in 2014, which could stunt their development.

Depending on how much faith San Francisco has on its returning crop, we could see an additional defensive back find his way to the 49ers after a strong showing in the Senior Bowl.

Senquez Golson, Mississippi

Cornerbacks that are 5'9" and 176 pounds typically won't garner that much attention come the draft. But Mississippi defensive back Senquez Golson is an exception to that rule.

He has natural cover skills, per Rob Rang of CBSSports.com, which has projected him as a Round 2 selection this draft.

These skills helped him record 10 interceptions—highest in the SEC in 2014.

The 49ers would like to have a ball hawk in their secondary, and Golson could fit the bill if size truly doesn't matter.

Ladarius Gunter, Miami

If size is an issue for the 49ers' draft plans, general manager Trent Baalke could focus his attention on Miami cornerback Ladarius Gunter. 

Gunter is 6'2" and 198 pounds and possesses a natural fluidity to his game, per Rang and Derek Stephens of CBSSports.com. He isn't a ball hawk by any means—just six interceptions over three years with the Hurricanes—and there are some questions surrounding his tracking ability.

But the size can't be coached, and Gunter is the type of player who could slide into a strong secondary scheme in Round 3 or 4.

Steven Nelson, Oregon State

The 49ers could wait until the latter rounds of the draft to target a cornerback. Such would be the case if Oregon State's Steven Nelson found his way to San Francisco in Round 4 or 5.

Nelson isn't particularly fast or big. He is only 5'11" and 194 pounds, but Dane Brugler of CBS Sports regards him as perhaps the "most competitive cornerback on the Senior Bowl roster."

San Francisco could benefit from a tough-minded presence within its secondary, and Nelson fits the bill.

Defensive End/Pass-Rusher

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Defensive end Henry Anderson was a pass-rushing machine in 2014.

Offseason developments also affect what the 49ers will be able to do regarding their defensive line and front seven.

First there was the release of defensive end Ray McDonald. Then there is the possibility that veteran defensive end Justin Smith retires after this season. While San Francisco has some depth at defensive tackle—and the emergence of DE Tank Carradine helps—the 49ers O-line has become a high priority.

San Francisco could switch to a 4-3 defense in 2015—a notion elaborated upon by David Fucillo of Niners Nation.

This changes things up to an extent, but the 49ers would be wise to alleviate some of their pass-rushing needs in a class that boasts plenty of talent here.

Bleacher Report's Matt Miller spoke with Taylor Price of 49ers.com and cited that pass-rushers are extremely deep in this year's class.

“I know it isn’t a huge need for the 49ers,” Miller said, “but it’s such a good group for that hybrid defensive end or outside linebacker player.”

Henry Anderson, Stanford

Stanford DE Henry Anderson is an enticing prospect to watch in this Senior Bowl after his 2014 campaign netted him eight sacks.

Anderson is slated by CBSSports.com as a fourth-round pick, but his stock could rise after a strong showing in Mobile.

This is what Dane Brugler of CBS Sports suggested could happen:

"

Stanford has been cranking out intriguing defensive prospects in recent years and Anderson fits the bill. He is built like a tree with good length and powerful hands to extend and meet blockers, shredding bodies and disrupting the pocket. Anderson has some body tightness, but he could be a “riser” after this week in Mobile.

"

The 6'6", 287-pounder varies his pass-rushing technique and would be a solid mid-round addition to an already-strong 49ers' pass rush.

Hau'oli Kikaha, Washington

Another enticing edge-rusher is Washington's Hau'oli Kikaha. 

The outside linebacker converts well to a defensive end should the 49ers stick with a 3-4 defense next year. Kikaha amassed 19 sacks in 2014, per Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated, and Burke lists him as one of the top prospects to watch at the Senior Bowl.

Projected as a second-round pick by CBSSports.com, Kikaha could be the D-line solution should the 49ers use their Round 1 pick to address a more pressing need.

Owamagbe Odighizuwa, UCLA

At 6'3" and 270 pounds, UCLA defensive end Owamagbe Odighizuwa is another potential Round 2 prospect that would be worth a look.

Odighizuwa amassed five sacks for the Bruins in 2014 and has a good skill set against both the pass and the run, per Brugler and Rob Rang of CBS Sports.

Health is a question for Odighizuwa, as a couple of hip surgeries thwarted his 2013 campaign. But Odighizuwa would be an enticing option should the 49ers look to continue a 3-4 defense next season.

Preston Smith, Mississippi State

If the 49ers are looking for a specific pass-rusher to add to their arsenal of guys like Aldon Smith and Aaron Lynch, they could target Mississippi State defensive end Preston Smith.

Smith projects to be a Round 3 target during the draft, per CBSSports.com, and while he doesn't necessarily fit the bill as an every-down player just yet, his 6'5", 270-pound frame makes him a disruptive force on passing situations.

This skill set helped him amass nine sacks in 2014.

Alvin Dupree, Kentucky

Kentucky defensive end Alvin Dupree probably won't be around for the 49ers' 15th overall pick in 2015, at least according to Rang.

But Bleacher Report's Matt Miller and Taylor Price of 49ers.com agree that Dupree will be one of the more enticing players to watch this Senior Bowl.

If Dupree slips and/or the 49ers want to trade up in Round 1, Dupree could be the long-term defensive solution that would ensure this unit remains strong after the eventual departure of veteran lineman Justin Smith.

Wide Receiver

A top-tier wide receiver is likely the most pressing need the 49ers have entering the 2015 draft.

Lacking speed on offense, San Francisco will look to utilize one of its first two picks this year to address this position.

Many of the top-tier wideouts will not be participating in this year's Senior Bowl. One potential first-round target who won't be participating is Louisville wideout DeVante Parker.

Parker's absence highlights a wide receiver class that isn't quite as deep as it was a year ago.

Taylor Price of 49ers.com elaborates:

"This year’s wide receiver crop is not as deep as last season, but it’s still very formidable with Alabama’s Amari Cooper leading the way. The strength of this year’s pass-catching crop is in their size. Big receivers can be had in 2015."

San Francisco could use some red-zone size for this position. Most importantly, they need speed on the outside—someone who can stretch the field and create opportunities over the top.

Kevin White, West Virginia

West Virginia wideout Kevin White will be one of the more dynamic players to watch during the Senior Bowl.

A first-round target, White hauled in 109 passes for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Mountaineers in 2014. His 6'3", 209-pound frame helps make him a bona fide red-zone threat. He also has quick acceleration and great hands, per CBSSports.com.

Devin Smith, Ohio State

If the 49ers elect to use early draft picks to supplement their defense and/or their offensive line, a latter-round pick must be used to add speed to the wide receiver position.

Ohio State's Devin Smith fits into this mold. Smith isn't the best route-runner, but his straight-line speed is something worth noting. This playmaking ability helped him net an average of 28.2 yards per reception in 2014, which amounted to 12 touchdown receptions.

Dane Brugler of CBS Sports goes into further detail:

"

A nine route monster, Smith has been one of the best deep threats in college football with 12 touchdowns on only 33 receptions in 2014—that's a touchdown every 2.75 catches, best in the NCAA. But he has been very inconsistent on non-vertical routes and needs to prove himself as more than just a downfield target.

"

Smith is projected to be a fourth-round selection during the draft.

Ty Montgomery, Stanford

One athlete who comes to mind when combining size, strength and speed is Stanford wideout Ty Montgomery. 

This 6'2", 220-pound prospect is slated as a Round 2 target, per CBSSports.com, which would give the 49ers some flexibility should they draft him and save their first pick to upgrade the defense.

Montgomery is familiar with complex routes and has the speed to break past defenses, per his CBSSports.com draft profile page. He's also aggressive and doesn't shy away from contact.

Sammie Coates, Auburn

Having finished his junior year at Auburn, wide receiver Sammie Coates is one of only a few redshirt juniors who is participating in practice up to the Senior Bowl, per Brugler.

Coates is 6'2", 201 pounds and combines a "freakish blend of size and speed," per Rob Rang of CBSSports.com.

This late first- or early second-round target has some rawness to his game, and his hands aren't necessarily the best. But proper coaching could turn this protege into something worth watching on Sundays.

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated. Supplemental draft information courtesy of CBSSports.com.

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.

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