San Francisco 49ers: Updated Draft Big Board After 1st Wave of Free Agency
The San Francisco 49ers have been heavily active on the free-agent market this offseason.
This wasn't supposed to be the case, as the cap-pressed 49ers figured to have limited financial resources to make some big offseason splashes. But the departures of some notable free agents and the retirement of linebacker Patrick Willis freed up San Francisco to be more aggressive on the market.
San Francisco landed free agents like tackle Darnell Dockett, running back Reggie Bush, cornerback Shareece Wright and wide receivers Jerome Simpson and Torrey Smith.
Moves such as these will ultimately affect the 49ers' plans in the upcoming 2015 NFL draft. San Francisco will have a total of nine picks—two of which are compensatory—and holds the No. 15 overall pick.
Some of these new players alleviate pressing needs. A case study would be the signing of Smith. His acquisition lessens the importance of drafting an impact, playmaking wideout in a relatively small pool of prospective talent.
But this, and other examples, doesn't mean the 49ers have little need to take this draft seriously.
What will be general manager Trent Baalke's approach as the draft nears? Which players will be on San Francisco's radar in the coming weeks? Most importantly, how would each of these players fit into what the 49ers need to do, both in the short- and long-term scope of things?
Let's break down some of these players that the 49ers should be paying attention to on their big board. Special attention will be given to Round 1, but we can't overlook some of San Francisco's options in Rounds 2 and 3.
No. 10: RB T.J. Yeldon, Alabama
1 of 10T.J. Yeldon, RB
School: Alabama
Height/Weight: 6'1", 226 pounds
Running back Frank Gore is gone after inking a three-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts.
To replace him, San Francisco will have a trio of running backs in Carlos Hyde, Kendall Hunter and the recently acquired Reggie Bush.
Bush may be the most well-known of all three. But as John Breech of CBS Sports points out, Bush isn't going to "replace Gore." Bush is also 30 years old and has injury concerns, which casts further doubt.
What will likely happen is a running back by committee. This is the argument made by Breech and backed up by general manager Trent Baalke.
"As you look around the league, you see [the committee approach] more and more," Baalke said, via Breech. "This is tough. It's tough to run 20, 30 carries per game in the NFL. My hat is off to the guys that are able to do that consistently, week in and week out through 16 games, taking the type of pounding that you take. So what you try to do is spread the wealth. ... It's hard to find that one guy that can do all three [downs]."
Hunter also has injury concerns after missing all of 2014.
So it's not far from plausible that San Francisco looks for a long-term addition to back up a player like Hyde should he emerge as the featured back.
Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon could be that guy, as described in the above video. He combines both size and speed to his advantage—aspects the 49ers could use to give their running game another dimension.
CBS Sports ranks Yeldon as a third-round possibility when considering how deep this player pool is.
If Yeldon is available in Round 3, don't be surprised if the 49ers take a flier.
No. 9: DE Danielle Hunter, LSU
2 of 10Danielle Hunter, DE
School: LSU
Height/Weight: 6'6", 240 pounds
San Francisco's defense is going to have plenty of questions that demand answers heading into 2015. Both the cornerback and defensive line positions are going to require some serious thought on the part of general manager Trent Baalke.
Should the 49ers elect to use their first pick to supplement the secondary or the wide receiver position, Baalke could attempt to land a player like LSU defensive end Danielle Hunter.
A need for a player like Hunter stems from the departure of defensive end Ray McDonald last season and the possible retirement of veteran defensive end Justin Smith. D-linemen Tank Carradine and Darnell Dockett could fill the void, but both of them have some concerns as well.
Additionally, San Francisco has some issues at outside linebacker—the position where the 6'6", 240-pound Hunter would likely wind up.
Linebacker Aldon Smith will enter a contract year in 2015. His production last year did not exactly live up to the numbers posted over his first two seasons in San Francisco. Plus, the team has to account for the off-the-field risk. And it isn't as if backup outside linebacker Corey Lemonier inspires much confidence at this point.
Hunter is ranked as the 37th overall prospect by CBS Sports and the No. 5 defensive end available in the draft. But his move to linebacker would help provide San Francisco some positive depth here.
Ryan Sakamoto of NinerFans.com agrees:
"Not known to be a very instinctive player, it was Hunter’s hot motor that allowed him to lead the SEC in stuffs (tackles for no gain or loss) in 2014 with 17. Something that head coach Jim Tomsula can appreciate as Hunter plays with a heart on his sleeve–makes him a nice fit in San Francisco.
Not to mention, Hunter has the long-arms that GM Trent Baalke covets, it wouldn’t be a bad idea in selecting the LSU Tiger as he can bat down balls at or near the line of scrimmage while also using a long-arm pass-rush to push back offensive lineman.
"
"Three reasons why #49ers should consider drafting OLB Danielle Hunter @CoachTMcGaughey @E_Reid35 http://t.co/7N8cvCqIEK (@NinerFans)
— Ryan Sakamoto (@SakamotoRyan) February 10, 2015"
Sakamoto suggests the pick take place in Round 3 if Hunter is available. But Sakamoto does imply that the talented defensive end could rise up draft boards prior to the draft. Such a selection might have to take place as early as Round 2.
If CBS Sports is right, the 49ers could use their second-round pick on a young, cheaper option for the front seven.
No. 8: OG Laken Tomlinson, Duke
3 of 10Laken Tomlinson, OG
School: Duke
Height/Weight: 6'3", 323 pounds
San Francisco's offensive line is another unit that requires some offseason attention.
The departure of left guard Mike Iupati via free agency has opened up a hole that, at least on the surface, will be filled by either Marcus Martin or Brandon Thomas.
Martin could shift over from the center position to allow the incumbent Daniel Kilgore—who was lost to a season-ending leg injury in Week 7—to reclaim his old position. Thomas redshirted his rookie year.
But what if neither second-year pro rises to the occasion? What if the O-line suffers a similar attrition rate as it did in 2014? Additionally, what long-term plans do the 49ers have to possibly replace right guard Alex Boone when he finishes a contract year in 2015?
Adding some depth here is something that needs to be done sooner rather than later. And Duke's Laken Tomlinson could add some valuable strength to the O-line.
"I want this kid on the #49ers Neuroscience or NFL? It's both for draft prospect Laken Tomlinson - Yahoo Sports http://t.co/MU9ekT5Ljo
— JLK7299 (@JLK7299) March 6, 2015"
Tomlinson is projected as a Day 2 pick, and CBS Sports' Dane Brugler states that he has an NFL body along with a high football IQ and a solid work ethic.
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No. 7: CB P.J. Williams, Florida State
4 of 10P.J. Williams, CB
School: Florida State
Height/Weight: 6'0", 194 pounds
The 49ers secondary is another area of notable concern heading into 2015.
San Francisco has already lost cornerbacks Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox to free agency. The team did sign fellow corners Chris Cook, who returns to San Francisco, and Shareece Wright. But neither appears to be a long-term option.
On the positive side of things, the 49ers will (hopefully) get a fully healthy Tramaine Brock back at cornerback. San Francisco will also hope for the continued development of second-year pro defensive backs Jimmie Ward, Dontae Johnson, Kenneth Acker and Keith Reaser.
Yet it wouldn't be surprising to see the 49ers try to land an impact corner who could eventually emerge as a top-two defensive back.
Florida State cornerback P.J. Williams is one such talent who could complete San Francisco's secondary—an argument made in the above video.
While Culliver is gone, a player like Williams is worth a shot in Round 2.
He posted one interception and 10 passes defended for the Seminoles in 2014. CBS Sports projects him as a late first- or early second-round pick.
Leaning toward the latter possibility, San Francisco could feasible find a way to trade up from its mid-round pick in Round 2 and land the talented cornerback.
Doing so would mean that San Francisco would have a young and promising defensive back who could immediately emerge as a starter, thus surpassing his competition on the roster.
No. 6: WR Jaelen Strong, Arizona State
5 of 10Jaelen Strong, WR
School: Arizona State
Height/Weight: 6'2", 217 pounds
Just because the 49ers landed speedy wideouts like Torrey Smith and Jerome Simpson doesn't mean they will overlook the wide receiver position entirely in the 2015 draft.
Veteran wideouts Michael Crabtree and Brandon Lloyd are likely gone via free agency. The team has parted ways with receiver Stevie Johnson and his hefty contract. And Simpson's off-the-field concerns have to be on the mind of San Francisco's top brass.
Combine that with the knowledge that incumbent No. 1 wideout Anquan Boldin is 34 years old and entering a contract year, and the 49ers have to be thinking about a long-term addition at this position.
Arizona State wideout Jaelen Strong could be the answer.
"ASU WR Jaelen Strong with an impressive one-handed TD catch. Looks like a guy the 49ers would have on their radar..
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) November 8, 2014"
Strong might not receive the attention that top-tier wideouts like Alabama's Amari Cooper and West Virginia's Kevin White have garnered, but that doesn't mean he's all the less talented.
The 6'2", 217-pound wideout recorded 157 receptions for 2,287 yards and 17 touchdowns over two seasons at Arizona State. His accolades have warranted him as a late first-round pick, according to CBS Sports.
Rob Rang of CBS Sports lists Strong as a potential target of the Baltimore Ravens, who lost Smith to the 49ers via free agency. Baltimore drafts at No. 26, so this position suggests San Francisco could explore the possibility of trading down and landing yet another talented receiver.
Talk about a dynamic receiving game for many years to come.
No. 5: TE Maxx Williams, Minnesota
6 of 10Maxx Williams, TE
School: Minnesota
Height/Weight: 6'4", 249 pounds
Could the 49ers really draft a tight end in Round 1? It might not be the worst idea that ever happened.
This year's draft class is awfully thin at this position. And Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams tops the list, according to CBS Sports.
San Francisco has arguably solved its short-term needs at wide receiver and along the defensive line via free agency. The cornerback position has some legitimate question marks, but the tight end position also could use some attention.
The 49ers have the following tight ends on their roster for 2015: Vernon Davis, Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek and Derek Carrier. Asante Cleveland is also a possibility if he has a good training camp.
But the big question falls between Davis and McDonald.
McDonald has yet to emerge as the complementary piece alongside Davis. An effective blocker, McDonald has registered just 10 receptions for 149 yards in his two-year career despite 27 targets.
And Davis prompts even more questions. The 30-year-old veteran logged the worst season of his career since his rookie debut in 2006. He also has one more year remaining on his lucrative contract, so it's possible that the 49ers could be entertaining a possible long-term, impact replacement.
Williams offers up some of the same attributes as did Davis when he was at the combine, per 49ers.com:
"Minnesota TE Maxx Williams hurdles a lot like the #49ers own @VernonDavis85. #NFLCombine http://t.co/F18dBqmwaX pic.twitter.com/U7oSC6qV2e
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) February 20, 2015"
Yet Williams is slated as the No. 28 prospect in the draft, per CBS Sports. Taking him at No. 15 overall would not exactly be the best value pick. But anyone who has followed the 49ers lately knows that general manager Trent Baalke has zero problems trading up or down. Dropping from No. 15 to a pick later in the round is more than feasible, especially if it adds another pick at some other point.
No. 4: WR Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma
7 of 10Dorial Green-Beckham, WR
School: Oklahoma
Height/Weight: 6'5", 237 pounds
As stated with ASU wideout Jaelen Strong earlier, the 49ers might still be in the market for a first-round wide receiver.
Oklahoma's Dorial Green-Beckham is perhaps the most physically gifted wideout available in the draft. His 6'5", 237-pound frame is enough to cause nightmares for defenses. Add explosive speed to that equation, and this talent is worthy of the early first round.
But Green-Beckham's off-the-field concerns have been enough to push his draft stock down into the latter parts of Round 1.
CBS Sports ranks him as the No. 24 overall prospect in the draft. His dismissal from Missouri, which forced him to transfer to Oklahoma, pushed him out of the upper draft echelon.
His immense on-the-field talents are enough to place him slightly ahead of Strong on the 49ers big board. And San Francisco has obviously shown willingness to take a risk on troubled receivers. Wideout Jerome Simpson is a perfect example and could suggest added interest in Green-Beckham, per Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee.
"What does the Jerome Simpson signing say about the #49ers' willingness to draft troubled WR Dorial Green-Beckham? ... http://t.co/kV3brDi7OP
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) March 6, 2015"
Regardless of the troubles, Green-Beckham might simply be too good to pass up. This is the argument made in the above video and is especially plausible if the 49ers aren't necessarily concerned with character right now.
No. 3: CB Trae Waynes, Michigan State
8 of 10Trae Waynes, CB
School: Michigan State
Height/Weight: 6'0", 186 pounds
While an impact wide receiver would be nice to add in 2015, the cornerback position has a little more of a need.
Unlike wide receiver, San Francisco hasn't exactly landed a shutdown defensive back who could step in alongside cornerback Tramaine Brock in Week 1. So it's understandable if the 49ers look to add a talented corner in Round 1 instead of focusing on the wide receiver position.
Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes offers up plenty of what the 49ers need. He has the perfect combination of size and speed that would make any defensive coordinator happy.
Rob Rang of CBS Sports had this to say about him after the NFL Scouting Combine: "Waynes erased any doubts about his athleticism by blazing through the 40-yard dash at the combine. Waynes possesses the length, fluidity and ball skills required of cornerbacks in today's pass-happy NFL and is stouter against the run than his frame implies."
Rang also lists Waynes as the No. 16 overall prospect in this year's draft class, which would put him in a perfect position to land in San Francisco.
"If the #49ers don't take CB Trae Waynes in the first-round...I see them waiting until the 3rd to draft one. CB draft class is weak this yr.
— Ryan Sakamoto (@SakamotoRyan) March 12, 2015"
If Waynes can add some bulk to his frame, there is little doubt that he could have a high ceiling in the NFL.
No. 2: WR DeVante Parker, Louisville
9 of 10DeVante Parker, WR
School: Louisville
Height/Weight: 6'3", 209 pounds
Even if the cornerback position is a pressing need, it's almost impossible to overlook the thought of San Francisco adding a talented wideout in Round 1.
Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker has been linked to San Francisco long before the NFL Scouting Combine. Prior to the combine, the 49ers met with Parker, according to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area:
"At Louisville pro day, WR DeVante Parker listed the 49ers among the handful of teams that had meetings with him. SF has No. 15 overall pick.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) March 11, 2015"
The uncertainty of the wide receiver position mandates some interest. Newly acquired wideout Torrey Smith provides some long-term security here, but there is little else to suggest San Francisco will have a solid crop of receiving targets beyond 2015.
CBS Sports' Rob Rang mocks Parker to the Miami Dolphins at No. 14.
Miami has parted ways with wide receiver Mike Wallace and would like nothing more than to add a player like Parker to the receiving corps. Even so, will he fall as far as No. 14?
Regardless of the Dolphins' dilemma, San Francisco would likely trade up if it felt that Parker was its guy. It's possible the 49ers can do this, and general manager Trent Baalke has made such efforts in the past.
No. 1: DE Randy Gregory, Nebraska
10 of 10Randy Gregory, DE
School: Nebraska
Height/Weight: 6'6", 240 pounds
The 49ers will be seeking an impact player as soon as possible in Round 1 of the draft.
Prior to the acquisition of wide receiver Torrey Smith in free agency, one might have speculated that San Francisco would look toward one of the talented first-round wideouts who would be available around pick No. 15.
Yet Smith's signing alters the 49ers' plans to a large extent. Rather than focus on the offense, San Francisco should look to reinforce a defense that comes with plenty of question marks.
Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory should be the top prospect on the 49ers draft board.
Why? Well, San Francisco's D-line enters 2015 with a number of concerns. With veteran defensive end Ray McDonald gone and fellow DE Justin Smith pondering retirement, the 49ers are on the brink of losing two starters from their opening-day roster in 2014.
The team can count upon third-year pro Tank Carradine to fill a void at this position. And the free-agent signing of Darnell Dockett also helps.
But Dockett is 33 years old and coming off an injury that forced him to miss all of last season. Carradine has also been barely used after missing his rookie season due to injury in 2013.
San Francisco could use some young pass-rushing help, and Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory is that guy. He has already met with the 49ers, per Bleacher Report's Matt Miller:
".@Huskers pass rusher Randy Gregory has met with the 49ers and Vikings, I'm told.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 13, 2015"
What makes Gregory an intriguing prospect is the fact that he'll be able to switch over to outside linebacker if necessary. This is the case made by CBS Sports' Rob Rang, who lists Gregory as the 11th-best prospect on his big board.
This would mean that general manager Trent Baalke would have to trade up to nab the talented pass-rusher. But free-agent signings have taken some of the pressure off San Francisco to land a number of impact players. Such picks could be used as trade-up ammunition.
Should the 49ers find production elsewhere along the D-line, Gregory could easily transition over to linebacker. If necessary, he could replace the production of linebacker Aldon Smith as described in the video above.
Smith is entering a contract year in 2015. His off-the-field concerns and relative slow-down after returning from a nine-game suspension last year could affect the decision whether or not the 49ers retain him.
Gregory notched 17.5 sacks in two years with Nebraska. Adding those stats would give plenty of defensive prowess to the 49ers' front.
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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