Roster review: Get ready for the Niners to add another running back in…..
Although it’s not nearly a unanimous choice, Duke’s Graham Barton has frequently been the guy the San Francisco 49ers mock at the conclusion of the first round. In Bleacher Reports’ post-NFL Combine mock, that remained unchanged:
“With the exception of Trent Williams, the 49ers can survive with mediocre offensive linemen,” Thorn stated. “But, their right side started to show problems toward the end of the season, and even center needs to be upgraded.”
“Barton could play any of the five positions, but he’s most effective inside, so he’d probably slot in at center or right guard on this squad. That would give them a top-tier run-blocker with virtually perfect angles, timing, and finishing abilities.
“Barton’s skill set can be maximized in a run-first scheme like the 49ers’, which can lessen the load on blocks in pass protection.”
Other than Williams, who San Francisco acquired through trade, the Niners’ offensive line is devoid of any first-round talent. This strategy must be adjusted.
Raising the talent level might have a significant impact, ease the workload for the quarterback and play-caller, and allow the running back to have more lanes to sprint through while the skill players have more time to go open outside.
In this mock draft, Xavier Worthy, a wide receiver from Kyle Shanahan’s alma university and a possible target at No. 31, was selected one spot after Barton.
Bleacher Report conducted three rounds, so we can see how outsiders perceive the 49ers’ most pressing issues. The Niners addressed wide receiver in the second round:
WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky, San Francisco 49ers, #63
According to Corley’s Twitter bio, he is “The YAC King.” The former Western Kentucky standout did not weigh in or take measurements at the Combine, but at the Senior Bowl, he measured 5’11” and 215 pounds.
This past season, Corley made countless instances of taking short throws for big plays. Examining his box scores, Corley’s lengthy receiving totals were from different games and included 39, 34, 31, 70, 26, 34, and 75. He is able to line both inside and outside, but his nickname has a deeper meaning. Sixty-eight of his 959 receiving yards came after the catch. In addition, he scored 11 touchdowns, and 40 out of 75 of his receptions were for first downs.
I believe it’s overly optimistic to imagine he’ll make it through the second round. In today’s NFL, he is a top-50 pick.
The Chiefs selected Iowa State cornerback T.J. Tampa with their first pick. The West Virginia native Zach Frazier was selected by the Rams nine picks prior. Both players, in my opinion, would make fantastic fits and are more like first-round prospects than late-round picks.
94. Auburn, S. Jaylin Simpson, San Francisco 49ers
98. 49ers of San Francisco: RB Shawn Lloyd MarShawn, USC
If Simpson were standing in front of me right now, I couldn’t tell you who he was or anything about him. At the Combine, he demonstrated exceptional athleticism by running a 4.45 40-yard dash and clearing a 39.5-inch vertical along with an 11-foot-1-inch broad jump. Simpson weighed a mere 179 pounds.
I’m examining Zak Zinter, the choice that came after Simpson. Despite tearing his tibia and fibula, he should be ready for training camp after suffering a season-ending injury. If he hadn’t been injured, the University of Michigan right guard would have been a top-50 choice and a huge boost at right guard.
Although 49ers supporters would think this is an early round given the success of the previous two third-round running back selections, the team is certain to acquire a running back in the draft.
Lloyd was only five feet eight, yet he weighed in at 220 pounds. His 40-yard sprint time of 4.46 was impressive, but his 9-foot-6-inch broad jump was below average. When Lloyd hits the hole, you can see how quickly he accelerates. Since Lloyd didn’t move the pile after making impact, the shorter broad jump also appears. He stumbled twice against Utah, as well, as I recall.
Lloyd had nine touchdowns, 3.97 yards after contact, and an average of 7.1 yards per carry by the end of the season. Although he possesses explosiveness, I don’t think the 49ers should have selected him in the third round at this time.
