7 Combine Studs San Francisco 49ers Must Have on Their Short List

The 2015 NFL Scouting Combine is underway, and the San Francisco 49ers are looking to bolster a franchise after what has been a tumultuous offseason.

Thankfully, there are enough talented players participating in the combine to provide general manager Trent Baalke and the 49ers with options as San Francisco heads toward the 2015 NFL draft.

San Francisco does have some pressing needs. A need for a long-term, impact wide receiver tops the list. There are questions along the defensive line and, potentially, within the offensive line. The cornerback position is also of interest.

Combine results will add to the overall blueprint for the 49ers' draft plans. 

So which players will wind up being the hottest of commodities for Baalke and Co.?

Let's break down some of the prospects who will be closely monitored by San Francisco at the combine. Some of these players will wind up on the 49ers' short list.

Perhaps a couple of these names will wind up wearing red and gold in 2015.

Dante Fowler Jr., OLB

USA TODAY Sports

Dante Fowler would fit into a pass-rushing 3-4 scheme in San Francisco.

Dante Fowler, Outside Linebacker

School: Florida

Height/Weight: 6'2", 261 pounds

Speculation would lead most to believe that the 49ers would go offense first—wide receiver, specifically—in Round 1.

But Baalke has not exactly had the best track record with drafting wide receivers during his 49ers tenure. He has, however, had good marks picking up pass-rushers. Such would be the case if San Francisco tabs Florida outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr.

Fowler's name has been linked to the 49ers thanks to Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News. Inman wrote, "Baalke has a knack for finding pass rushers, especially those with long arms. Dante Fowler (Florida) might be the most coveted one for a 3-4 scheme."

Inman also listed Norfolk State's Lynden Trail and Missouri's Shane Ray as other possibilities.

The need makes sense if one evaluates the long-term implications. Outside linebacker Aldon Smith has one year remaining on his deal in San Francisco. Given his off-the-field issues and seemingly playmaking reliance upon defensive end Justin Smith, the 49ers might not choose to keep the younger Smith with the franchise following 2015.

Fowler and the other linebacker prospects will participate in combine workouts on Sunday, February 22.

Clive Walford, TE

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Tight end Clive Walford might end up being the long-term replacement for veteran TE Vernon Davis.

Clive Walford, Tight End

School: Miami

Height/Weight: 6'4", 263 pounds 

San Francisco's situation at tight end is about as complicated as it gets when evaluating the future of the franchise. No. 1 tight end Vernon Davis has one year remaining on his current contract, yet the 31-year-old veteran is also coming off the worst statistical season of his career since he broke into the NFL in 2006. 

An aging, expensive commodity could still wind up fitting into the 49ers' plans in 2015. This is what Baalke said via Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area (h/t Curtis Crabtree of NBC Sports).

But what about 2016 and beyond? No. 2 tight end Vance McDonald has been little more than a blocking specialist on offense, and it wouldn't be a surprise for San Francisco to attempt to address this question this offseason.

Perhaps that's what explains the team's meeting with Miami tight end Clive Walford (h/t Turron Davenport of Pro Player Insiders).

"

For my 49ers crowd, Miami TE Clive Walford said he spoke to team at Sr Bowl and has formal sit down with them here at the Combine.

— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_PPI) February 18, 2015"

A meeting doesn't necessarily mean a team will draft that specific player. Walford is ranked as the No. 2 tight end in this year's draft class, per CBS Sports. 

Walford ran a 4.79 40-yard dash at the combine and graded out with a 5.65 marking on NFL.com's prospect system.

We'll see whether or not the 49ers elect to go with Walford—or another tight end—early in this draft. 

Robert Myers, OG

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

A player like offensive guard Robert Myers could reinforce the 49ers offensive line.

Robert Myers, Offensive Guard

School: Tennessee State

Height/Weight: 6'5", 326 pounds

Another position of interest is the 49ers offensive line.

Left guard Mike Iupati hits the open market this offseason, and it is highly unlikely San Francisco re-signs him given the team's cap situation and his likely price tag. Right guard Alex Boone has one year remaining on his current deal.

The 49ers do have an initial plan in place, as it would seem. Center Daniel Kilgore should return from a season-ending leg injury, which would shift backup starter Marcus Martin into a direct competition with second-year pro Brandon Thomas.

It's possible, perhaps likely, the 49ers are comfortable with this situation. Competition may even make Boone expendable.

But there remains the possibility that one, or neither, continues to inspire confidence in San Francisco's future plans.

While the 49ers likely won't draft an O-lineman high in 2015, they could look into the middle or late rounds to supplement such a need.

Offensive guard Robert Myers could be a low-risk, high-reward option. The Tennessee State prospect is projected as a Round 4 or 5 target, per CBS Sports, but possesses good technique and would fit well into a power scheme, per Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.

Myers ran a 5.44 in the 40-yard dash and posted 8.10 seconds in the three-cone drill.

Maybe the 49ers draft for their O-line higher than the later rounds, but there are more positions of need that don't quite have the existing depth. Therefore, a player like Myers falls onto the radar.

Devin Smith, WR

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Ohio State wideout Devin Smith would add a vertical threat to the 49ers offense.

Devin Smith, Wide Receiver

School: Ohio State

Height/Weight: 6'1", 199 pounds

Wide receiver appears to be the 49ers' No. 1 priority in this year's draft. With the No. 15 overall pick in the draft, it's likely Baalke tabs a wideout in Round 1.

The reason makes sense. Wideouts Michael Crabtree and Brandon Lloyd will be on the free-agent market. Veteran receiver Anquan Boldin has one year remaining on his current deal. While not as deep as last season, this year's draft class does offer some enticing wide receiver prospects.

But the 49ers could focus on defense with their first pick. That leaves a few prospects in Round 2 that could grab Baalke's attention.

Ohio State wideout Devin Smith is one such receiver. CBS Sports projects him as a Day 2 target, but his stock could climb given how fast this guy is.

The 6'1", 199-pound receiver hauled in 30 touchdowns in four seasons for the Buckeyes and averaged 20.7 yards per reception during that stretch. Mike Mayock of NFL.com (h/t Christian Gin of Examiner.com) tabbed him as one of the fastest receivers available in the draft.

"

Mike Mayock views Devin Smith as one of the fastest WRs in the draft. #49ers

— Christian Gin (@Christian_Gin) February 16, 2015"

Wide receivers will be showcasing their combine skills on Saturday, February 21. Smith will have his opportunity to show whether or not Mayock is right.

Marcus Peters, CB

Marcus Peters, Cornerback

School: Washington

Height/Weight: 6'0", 190 pounds

Cornerback Marcus Peters has plenty of talent, but he also comes with more than enough character concerns. The question is how much of a risk a team will be willing to take on him and how early.

San Francisco experienced plenty of attrition with its secondary in 2014. Defensive backs Tramaine Brock, Chris Culliver, Jimmie Ward and Perrish Cox were just some of the names of injured players who missed time during the season.

Additionally, Cox and Culliver are pending free agents this offseason. It's entirely possible that both walk, which would force the 49ers to rely upon depth players like Kenneth Acker and Keith Reaser—neither saw the field during the regular season.

A player like Peters would help here. This prospect out of Washington is ranked by CBS Sports as a fringe first-rounder. His talent alone would put him high in draft rankings. It's the personality that raises red flags.

"

Marcus Peters could potentially be a Top 5 corner in the NFL. He's insane.

— Chandler Miller (@CM_Draft) February 18, 2015"

Character will be the issue here. But the 49ers have taken risks on such players before. Linebacker Aaron Lynch is one such example, and he turned out to be one of the major steals from a year ago.

Defensive backs will be working out on Monday, February 23. In the meantime, the 49ers will have Peters' collegiate tape and combine interviews to base their analysis.

Dorial Green-Beckham, WR

Dorial Green-Beckham, Wide Receiver

School: Oklahoma

Height/Weight: 6'6", 225 pounds

Wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham is perhaps the most talented player at his position coming out in this year's draft. But the plethora of off-the-field issues are enough to warrant concern that his draft stock could drop to the late stages of Round 1, per CBS Sports.

There is no denying his on-field talents. Green-Beckham totaled 1,278 yards in two seasons with Missouri before he transferred to Oklahoma in 2014. His 6'6", 225-pound frame, which combined with excellent speed, will be enough that some team takes an early flier on him.

But who wants the risk?

Taylor Price of 49ers.com describes the dilemma:

"

As much as he wants to move on from his college years, experiences like the combine serve as a reminder of the mistakes he made in the past. For Green-Beckham, his ability to handle his transgressions and show his personal improvement will continue to be in the headlines until he’s officially drafted into the NFL and able to demonstrate his improved behavior.

"

"

WR prospect Dorial Green-Beckham has much to prove at NFL Scouting Combine. http://t.co/TPy6wi38Xa pic.twitter.com/IvOC0iuepm

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) February 20, 2015"

Thankfully, Green-Beckham has positively answered many of the questions surrounding his actions, as seen in the interviews in the above video.

Green-Beckham and the other wide receivers will showcase their on-the-field skills on Saturday, February 21.

Kevin White, WR

USA TODAY Sports

Wide receiver Kevin White has been climbing up boards leading up to the NFL draft.

Kevin White, Wide Receiver

School: West Virginia

Height/Weight: 6'3", 209 pounds 

The 49ers will likely have to be aggressive in the draft if they want to land a talented wideout like West Virginia's Kevin White.

White is ranked as the No. 2 receiver behind Alabama's Amari Cooper, per CBS Sports. The ranking also lists him as the 12th-best prospect in this year's draft, which indicates he'll be off the board should San Francisco stay put at No. 15.

Rob Rang of CBS Sports predicted (via KNBR 680) that White would be off the boards by the time the 49ers selected in Round 1.

San Francisco could make another trade up to land such a talented receiver. The 49ers moved up in 2013 to draft safety Eric Reid and did so without much difficulty. Such a move wouldn't be out of the question.

White posted 1,447 receiving yards in 2014. His hands are amazing, and he has good size and acceleration to create separation.

Speed is the element the 49ers need on offense. Aside from scantly used wideout Bruce Ellington, San Francisco doesn't have an over-the-top receiver to complement the passing game. Adding a player like White would give this dimension to an offense that ranked No. 30 in the league last year in total receiving yards (3,063).

Combine results from Saturday, February 21, will showcase just how much of that speed White has to offer.

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 and NFL.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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