San Francisco 49ers Mock Draft: 7-Round Predictions, Post Combine

The NFL Scouting Combine is coming to a close and the San Francisco 49ers will have more critical information with which to work as they prepare themselves for the upcoming 2015 draft at the end of April.

General manager Trent Baalke is armed with nine picks heading towards the draft—a number much less than what he wielded into the draft a year ago.

These nine picks, as listed by Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area, include two compensatory picks and two picks acquired in trades:

1. Round 1: Own Pick
2. Round 2: Own Pick
3. Round 3: Own Pick
4. Round 4: Pick from Denver Broncos
5. Round 5: Own Pick
6. Round 6: Own Pick
7. Round 6: Possible Compensatory Pick
8. Round 7: Pick from Indianapolis Colts
9. Round 7: Possible Compensatory Pick

The 49ers will also be swapping their own picks in alternate rounds with the Miami Dolphins. San Francisco will have pick No. 15 in Round 1 while having No. 14 in Round 2 and so on.

Now there is a critical difference between this year's draft and what took place a season ago. The 49ers' draft needs were not quite as pressing in 2014, yet San Francisco had more picks. That opened up the door for draft trades.

But in 2014, the 49ers do have some pressing needs that must be addressed. A fast wide receiver is a top priority. The defensive line needs help as does the secondary. Will the offensive line, so beleaguered by injury last year, receive much-needed reinforcements?

With the combine nearing an end, let's take a look at the next mock-up as San Francisco makes headway to the draft.

Round 1, Pick No. 15: DeVante Parker, WR

DeVante Parker, Wide Receiver

School: Louisville

Height/Weight: 6'3", 209 pounds

40-Yard: 4.45

Barring an aggressive trade-up, the 49ers aren't going to be lucky enough to land one of the top-two studs at wide receiver. Guys like Amari Cooper and Kevin White are likely going to be long off the boards by the time San Francisco selects at No. 15.

Louisville wideout DeVante Parker is the next receiver on this list. CBS Sports has him projected as the No. 16 prospect, which is right in the 49ers target area.

"

Louisville WR DeVante Parker, in the #49ers' wheelhouse at pick No. 15, runs an unofficial 4.45-second 40 on his first attempt.

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) February 21, 2015"

San Francisco needs speed on offense. The 49ers' passing game ranked No. 30 in the NFL last season with just 3,063 yards. 

Veteran wideouts Michael Crabtree and Brandon Lloyd are hitting the free-agent market, and there is no guarantee that either will return. Fellow receiver Anquan Boldin has one year remaining on his current deal. Therefore, the addition of a playmaking wide receiver tops the bill.

Rob Rang of CBS Sports describes why Parker would be an ideal fit for San Francisco:

"

The 49ers aren't likely to suddenly become more aggressive on offense with defensive-minded head coach Jim Tomsula taking the reins. Adding a dynamic playmaker to take full advantage of Colin Kaepernick's big arm would seem to be the priority. Parker is a remarkably fluid athlete who, at 6-3, 209 pounds, reportedly has been clocked in the 4.4s.

"

At 6'3", Parker has the ideal height to be the long-term solution at this position after players like Boldin depart. He fits the needs as described in the video above.

Fallback Options: WRs Dorial Green-Beckham and Jaelen Strong

Both Dorial Green-Beckham and Jaelen Strong would be enticing picks in Round 1 should Parker go earlier than projected. Green-Beckham has some character concerns, which could drop his stock despite having a huge ceiling. 

Round 2, Pick No. 14: Mario Edwards Jr., Defensive Tackle

USA TODAY Sports

Florida State D-lineman Mario Edwards Jr. could supply some long-term help along the defensive line.

Mario Edwards Jr., Defensive Tackle

School: Florida State

Height/Weight: 6'3", 279 pounds

40-Yard: 4.84

The 49ers are going to need some help along their defensive line at some point in the future. Veteran defensive end Ray McDonald is gone, and there is no guarantee that fellow DE Justin Smith will return after various retirement rumors.

Even if Smith does return, San Francisco has only one legitimate long-term option at defensive end: Tank Carradine.

With former-defensive line coach Jim Tomsula now at the helm of the coaching staff, one can't imagine general manager Trent Baalke straying too far from reinforcing the unit his new head coach knows best. 

Florida State defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. has the tools that could fit into whatever plans San Francisco has on defense. According to Derek Stephens of CBS Sports, Edwards could fit into either a 3-4 scheme as an end or a 4-3 tackle. The flexibility could be put to use pending any base-defensive changes in coming seasons.

Edwards posted eight sacks and 23 tackles for a loss in three seasons with the Seminoles. He posted a respectable 4.84 time in the 40-yard dash and also 32 reps in the bench press.

Strength is a big part of Edwards' game, and the reliance upon defense will remain at the heart of San Francisco's future.

Fallback Option: DEs Danielle Hunter and Trey Flowers

Defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Trey Flowers may not possess the size and strength that Edwards has, and Hunters lacks the pass-rushing numbers that would be ideal here. Flowers did post 18 sacks over four seasons at Arkansas. 

Round 3, Pick No. 15: Jalen Collins, CB

USA TODAY Sports

Cornerback Jalen Collins has good speed and physicality, which could help out a depleted 49ers secondary.

Jalen Collins, Cornerback

School: Louisiana State

Height/Weight: 6'1", 203 pounds

40-Yard: Defensive backs will perform drills on Monday, February 23.

The 49ers stocked up on defensive backs prior to 2014, and it's a good thing they did.

San Francisco's secondary suffered tremendous attrition over the season with key players like cornerbacks Tramaine Brock, Jimmie Ward and Chris Cook suffering elongated injuries.

On top of that, fellow backs Perrish Cox and Chris Culliver are set to hit the open market. Bringing them back will be tough given the 49ers' cap restraints headed into the free-agency period.

Cornerback may not be as pressing a need compared to the defensive line or wide receiver. Second-year pros like Kenneth Acker, Dontae Johnson and Keith Reaser will help reinforce this unit. But it wouldn't be surprising to see the 49ers land another defensive back after the first pressing needs are addressed.

Enter Louisiana State cornerback Jalen Collins.

At 6'1" and 203 pounds, Collins has the size and speed that could make him an ideal press corner at the NFL level.

"

Jalen Collins in a nutshell, via one play. Good flexibility and coverage talent for his size. Improved w/ experience pic.twitter.com/1k7PvFcMwm

— Ian Wharton (@NFLFilmStudy) February 22, 2015"

CBS Sports has him projected as a late second- or early third-round pick, which means he'd have to slip a bit for San Francisco to tab him with the 15th pick in Round 3. If he impresses at the combine, targeting Collins might require some sort of trade-up on the part of general manager Trent Baalke.

Fallback Options: CBs Kevin White and Steven Nelson

Kevin White and Steven Nelson don't have the height or physical prowess that Collins possesses. Nelson is better in coverage that White, but neither would likely require a trade-up. Both are listed as third-round picks by CBS Sports.

Round 4, Pick No. 27 (from Denver): Tyler Kroft

USA TODAY Sports

Tight end Tyler Kroft could supplement the 49ers need at tight end.

Tyler Kroft, Tight End

School: Rutgers

Height/Weight: 6'5", 246 pounds

40-Yard: N/A

The tight end position may or may not be a pressing need for San Francisco in 2015. All of it will depend on whether or not Vernon Davis will return to the 49ers for the last year of his current contract.

The 31-year-old veteran posted the worst statistical season of his career since his rookie year in 2006. Add that to Davis being an aging, expensive commodity, and it is reasonable to assume this one-time top weapon could be a cap casualty.

But general manager Trent Baalke noted, via Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, that Davis will "absolutely" be back with the 49ers next season.

"

Will Vernon Davis be back with #49ers? ‘Absolutely,’ Baalke says ... http://t.co/KdMaLXID87

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) February 18, 2015"

If this is the case, targeting a top-tier tight end prospect like Maxx Williams will not happen. Instead, the 49ers will be waiting until later rounds to add some depth behind Davis.

There is the possibility that San Francisco avoids this need. No. 2 tight end Vance McDonald isn't exactly a bona fide receiving threat. But he has proven effective in blocking schemes. Fellow TE Derek Carrier has also flashed some promise.

But a player like Rutgers tight end Tyler Kroft could supplement this position in both the short and long term.

The reason makes sense. San Francisco might finally admit that McDonald is a bust. The 49ers could also not have any plans at signing Davis beyond 2015. Thus, the need emerges.

Dane Brugler of CBS Sports lists Kroft as "deceptively quick." He also has an upside in blocking.

Bleacher Report's Matt Miller (h/t David Fucillo of Niners Nation) also listed Kroft as San Francisco's Round 4 target.

Fallback Option: TE Jeff Heuerman

Jeff Heuerman doesn't have Kroft's speed and is a bit raw. 

Round 5, Pick No. 15: Miles Dieffenbach, OG

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Offensive guard Miles Dieffenbach could add late-round reinforcements to a depleted offensive line.

Miles Dieffenbach, Offensive Guard

School: Penn State

Height/Weight: 6'3", 305 pounds

40-Yard: Did not participate in NFL Combine.

San Francisco's offensive line was another unit that suffered plenty of attrition in 2014. Impact players like right tackle Anthony Davis and center Daniel Kilgore missed extensive time, and this unit employed a wide array of starters over the course of the season.

Additionally, left guard Mike Iupati is likely going to depart via free agency. Right guard Alex Boone also has just one more year left on his deal.

There does appear to be an immediate solution for San Francisco in 2015. Kilgore (leg) should return from his injury and take over the starting duties at center. This will shift second-year pro Marcus Martin into a competition with fellow O-lineman Brandon Thomas—who was redshirted his rookie season—for the starting left guard job.

But the 49ers will need some added depth here.

General manager Trent Baalke will likely spend one of the team's late-round picks to supplement the O-line. Round 5 could provide the perfect opportunity.

Offensive guard Miles Dieffenbach has a bit of an injury history—injuries that kept him out of the combine. Such injuries could thwart his draft stock. But we all know that Baalke is willing to take risks on injured players if he feels their long-term impact would be worth the wait.

Dieffenbach has good awareness and exceptional work ethic per Rob Rang of CBS Sports. Most of his O-line experience also comes at left guard, which would make him a prime candidate to reinforce and compete for such a job in 2015.

Fallback Option: OG Adam Shead

O-lineman Adam Shead is a beast of a man at 6'4" and 338 pounds. His weight might be too much of an obstacle as he tends to overextend and not react quickly enough per Dane Brugler of CBS Sports.

Round 6, Pick No. 14: Dezmin Lewis, WR

USA TODAY Sports

Wide receiver Dezmin Lewis has ideal size, but lacks straight-line speed and physicality.

Dezmin Lewis, Wide Receiver

School: Central Arkansas

Height/Weight: 6'4", 214 pounds

40-Yard: 4.58

General manager Trent Baalke hasn't exactly had the best track record with drafting wide receivers. Memories of the 2012 selection of A.J. Jenkins still haunts 49ers fans.

While hoping this doesn't repeat itself in 2015, it wouldn't be far from possible that Baalke targets a project wideout later in the draft.

Wide receiver Dezmin Lewis could be that type of guy given his 6'4", 214-pound frame. 

Rob Rang of CBS Sports noted these positive attributes:

"

Sports an athletic frame with good muscular development in his upper body. Savvy route-runner who varies his release and gait to create slivers of separation. Soft, natural hands to pluck the ball outside of his frame. Good awareness to avoid the first defender after the catch, showing some wiggle and a burst. Good recognition of the sideline to get a foot down in bounds. 

"

But Rang also questions his overall speed and toughness. Lewis ran a 4.58 at the combine and posted 16 reps on the bench press.

A player like Lewis could be developed into a project player—perhaps a red-zone threat at some point. San Francisco had just 19 touchdowns within opponents' 20-yard lines last year. It's an area in which this team needs help.

Perhaps Lewis could be developed into a specific weapon in this area.

Fallback Option: WR Kenny Bell

Nebraska's Kenny Bell doesn't quite have the height and size that Lewis has. But he does have kick-return abilities and is a positive presence in the locker room per Dane Brugler of CBS Sports.

Round 6, Compensatory Pick: Josh Robinson, RB

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Running back Josh Robinson might not be overly fast, but he extremely powerful.

Josh Robinson, Running Back

School: Mississippi State

Height/Weight: 5'8", 217 pounds

40-Yard: 4.70

The 49ers are going to have some tough choices at running back this offseason. Veteran No. 1 back Frank Gore is hitting the free-agent market, and it's hard to determine whether or not the cap-pressed 49ers will bring the 31-year-old star back in 2015.

It's also possible that San Francisco tabs second-year pro Carlos Hyde as its featured back. Kendall Hunter is also returning from a season-long injury.

Fortunately, the 2015 running back draft class is deep. We shouldn't be surprised to see the 49ers dip into this pool at some point later in the rounds.

Mississippi State Josh Robinson is enticing as a prospect when combining the power-run game San Francisco employs. Robinson might not be as fast as other backs, but he does have the short, stocky power that makes him difficult to tackle.

He is also an effective receiving weapon out of the backfield. He caught 28 passes for 378 yards and one touchdown in 2014.

"

To me, most Frank Gore-like (size/leg drive/deceptive agility) RB in this draft class is Josh Robinson. Flying way under radar. @Pat_Thorman

— Chris Trapasso (@ChrisTrapasso) February 22, 2015"

A player like Robinson would reinforce San Francisco's running game regardless whether or not Gore returns.

Round 7, Pick No. 29: Nick Marshall, CB

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

Auburn's Nick Marshall worked out both with the quarterbacks and cornerbacks.

Nick Marshall, Cornerback/Quarterback

School: Auburn

Height/Weight: 6'1", 207 pounds

40-Yard: 4.54

Would the 49ers want to add some cornerback depth while possibly adding some competition at quarterback?

By Round 6, anything is possible.

Auburn's Nick Marshall worked out as both at the combine. His quarterback drills were not exactly that inspiring per Shawn Ferris of EndzoneScore.com.

"

Auburn QB Nick Marshall now doing CB drills. Definitely the right move. Teams want to see him there, struggled mightily in QB drills today.

— Shawn Ferris (@RealShawnFerris) February 21, 2015"

Marshall's athleticism is good enough, so it would be worth a flier if he was around in Round 7. He would add some depth in the backfield and, potentially, give quarterback Colin Kaepernick some additional competition for next season.

And it doesn't hurt to acknowledge that Bleacher Report's Matt Miller had mocked Marshall going to San Francisco in Round 7.

Round 7, Compensatory Pick: Erick Dargan, SS

Steve Dykes/Getty Images

Erick Dargan had a number of ballhawk moments in 2014.

Erick Dargan, Strong Safety

School: Oregon

Height/Weight: 5'11", 210 pounds

40-Yard: Did not participate in NFL Scouting Combine

San Francisco's safety tandem of Eric Reid and Antoine Bethea is quietly one of the best in the NFL. Behind them though resides some uncertainty.

Backup safety Craig Dahl was a liability in coverage, and then-rookie Jimmie Ward spent most of his time in the slot before suffering a season-ending injury. Perhaps the addition of another backup, especially if Dahl becomes a cap casualty, would be a nice move.

Bay Area native and Oregon safety Erick Dargan has a level of physicality to his game despite a 5'11" stature. Dane Brugler of CBS Sports wrote:

"

Solidly-built frame with natural thickness and torque. Good play speed and range with controlled movements and ankle flection to sink-and-burst. Physical tackler with strong hands/wrists to finish tackles and rip the ball out (seven career forced fumbles). Powerful hips and drives through his target. Fills run lanes with reckless abandon, attacking the line of scrimmage. Active shedding blocks, using his hands and body strength to squirm off bodies with his aggressive demeanor.

"

Dargan can be a bit overly aggressive, but the 49ers could use some intimidation within the secondary. Dargan provides that.

While he didn't receive an invite to the combine, Dargan is still listed by CBS Sports as a Round 7 target. Perhaps the 49ers find a cheaper alternative to supplement depth needs here.

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.

Follow him @PeterPanacy on Twitter.