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2017 NFL Draft: Full 7-Round Mock for the San Francisco 49ers

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:22 a.m. ET

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Fansided, Peter Panacy/FanSided via Niner Noise

The San Francisco 49ers hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and will have a total of 10 selections when the draft rolls around late April. Niner Noise offers you a full, seven-round mock for San Francisco.

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers are in full rebuild mode, searching for a new general manager and head coach.

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And with the 2017 NFL Draft a few months away, it’s almost impossible to speculate just how the Niners will wind up filling their draft board leading up to April. We have zero clue who the main targets will be and how the front office will go about planning a future for this franchise via the draft.

Still, we can speculate on needs and prioritize them into rounds. San Francisco has plenty of those needs too.

From quarterback, inside linebacker to even cornerback, the Niners could use help.

The 49ers already have 10 picks, including the No. 2 overall pick to start the draft. In addition, it’s likely they’ll receive one compensatory pick — probably a Round 4 selection — for a net loss of qualifying free agents.

Let’s assume the comp pick falls in Round 4 this year and draw up a mock for San Francisco using this information. While trades are a real possibility, let’s also grant the Niners stay put in each round.

Starting off with the No. 2 overall pick, the 49ers are officially on the clock.

Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in action during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Myles Garrett

EDGE, Texas A&M

Collegiate Stats

The 49ers’ selection of Texas A&M edge rusher Myles Garrett largely hinges on the Cleveland Browns, drafting at No. 1 overall, passing up on the standout pass-rusher and letting him fall to San Francisco.

It’s possible though. The Browns are in just as dire a need as the Niners. And it wouldn’t be surprising to see them reach for a future franchise quarterback under offensive-minded head coach Hue Jackson.

Regardless, the 49ers need pass-rushing help this offseason. After registering just 33 sacks last year — good for 21st in the NFL — San Francisco can ill afford to pass up on a talent like Garrett.

Paired with back-to-back first-round selections, Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner, a player like Garrett helps make the Niners’ front seven good once again.

Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) celebrates defeating the West Virginia Mountaineers 31-14 and being names MVP pf the game at Camping World Stadium. The Miami Hurricanes defeat the West Virginia Mountaineers 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Brad Kaaya

Quarterback, Miami

Collegiate Statistics

The 49ers clearly need a quarterback of the future, and this easily could wind up being a Round 1 selection.

But the Niners shouldn’t sell out to get a QB at No. 2 overall just because they feel they have to. Instead, waiting until Round 2 to select a quarterback like Miami’s Brad Kaaya is a strong option.

Kaaya’s numbers have been consistent over his three-year career, as the chart below indicates:

And while he might need a year or so to develop, there’s little questioning his starting capabilities at a pro-level system at Miami.

Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Isaiah Ford (1) tries to push off Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Jared Collins (29) in the third quarter during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Isaiah Ford

Wide Receiver, Virginia Tech

Collegiate Statistics

As badly as the Niners need a quarterback, the team also needs someone who can help in the receiving game.

Passing on noteworthy wide receivers in recent NFL Drafts has hindered San Francisco’s offensive production for a while now. But the 49ers won’t have to worry so much about this if they target Virginia Tech wideout Isaiah Ford at the beginning of Round 3.

At 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, Ford could stand to put on a bit of weight. But the three-year collegiate standout has a great deal of speed to his game. And those solid hands make for a reliable, red-zone-presence-type target San Francisco will so desperately covet this offseason.

Sep 12, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs tight end Gus Walley (19) is tackled by LSU Tigers linebacker Kendell Beckwith (52) during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium. LSU won 21-19. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Kendell Beckwith

Inside Linebacker, LSU

Collegiate Statistics

Unless the 49ers are hanging on both NaVorro Bowman and Ray-Ray Armstrong being completely healthy and ready to contribute in 2017, their defense still needs a considerable amount of help at inside linebacker.

Bowman is fine. And Armstrong might be more of a coverage-type ILB anyway. But LSU’s Kendell Beckwith is a wise choice at the start of Round 4.

Beckwith’s speed isn’t that great, and don’t expect him to be used often in side-to-side coverage.

But in overall converging between the tackles and pursuing ball carriers, Beckwith is about as solid as they come. His 91 total tackles in 2016 speaks to this ability.

And anyone who’s watched San Francisco over the last two seasons can attest to how missed tackles have killed the team’s defense.

Fred Ross

Wide Receiver, Mississippi State

Nov 26, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Fred Ross (8) carries the ball during the second half of the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi State won 55-20 Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Collegiate Statistics

The 49ers have a need for not one, but two wide receivers this offseason. Heck, almost the entire crop could stand to be revamped behind No. 1 wideout Torrey Smith.

With Isaiah Ford already selected, the Niners turn to Mississippi State wide receiver Fred Ross with their likely Round 4 comp pick.

Ross, at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, is another red-zone threat. And he was a touchdown-scoring machine for the Bulldogs last season, notching 12 end-zone scores to cap off a four-year collegiate career.

Nov 9, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Toledo Rockets running back Kareem Hunt (3) rushes the ball against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the first half at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Kareem Hunt

Running Back, Toledo

Collegiate Statistics

Unless the 49ers are banking on journeymen tailbacks Shaun Draughn and DuJuan Harris adequately backing up No. 1 running back Carlos Hyde in 2017, the Niners are going to need to add some strong competition here.

Most NFL teams try to have an up-and-coming runner capable of either filling in as a change-of-pace back or, possibly, emerging as the go-to guy in a few seasons.

Toledo’s Kareem Hunt might not necessarily be an every-down back at the NFL level. But his 262 attempts last season, for 1,475 yards and 10 touchdowns, proves he’s worthy of carrying a heavy workload.

He also hauled in 41 catches for 403 yards and a touchdown, making him a likable receiving option out of the backfield.

Kyle Fuller

Center, Baylor

Collegiate Statistics

Starting center Daniel Kilgore unfortunately has the reputation of not quite staying healthy on a season-to-season basis.

Dec 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Baylor Bears offensive lineman Kyle Fuller (55) against the Boise State Broncos during the Cactus Bowl at Chase Field. Baylor defeated Boise State 31-12. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

And it’s highly unlikely the 49ers consider bringing back 2014 draft bust Marcus Martin next year.

So this means San Francisco will have to find a backup interior lineman, one capable of holding down the center position on a near-regular basis.

Baylor’s Kyle Fuller, at 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, is a solid choice here.

Sep 17, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Joshua Jacobs (25) attempts to break the tackle of Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle D.J. Jones (93) during the second quarter of the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

D.J. Jones

Defensive Tackle, Mississippi

Collegiate Statistics

The 49ers could still bring back nose tackle Ian Williams (ankle) in 2017, which would be a smart move.

But Williams is injury prone. And the Niners were pressed into relying on guys like Mike Purcell and Glenn Dorsey to fill the role.

With Dorsey (pending free agent) aging, and Purcell not meeting the need, finding another reliable backup nose tackle would be a wise move.

At 6-foot-0 and 321 pounds, Mississippi defensive tackle D.J. Jones might be a bit short. But one wouldn’t have to worry about him playing lower than opposing offensive linemen. And he’s solid against the run too — one of San Francisco’s biggest weaknesses along the defensive line last year.

Darrell Daniels

Tight End, Washington

Collegiate Statistics

With their second pick in the round, the 49ers look to bolster their tight end crop by adding Washington TE Darrell Daniels.

December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies tight end Darrell Daniels (15) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter in the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi’s Stadium. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Daniels wasn’t much of a piece in the Huskies’ offensive plans last season. But his 6-foot-4, 246-pound frame could still create some mismatches within various red-zone schemes.

San Francisco has both veteran tight ends Vance McDonald and Garrett Celek inked to long-term contracts. So unless the 49ers are banking on No. 3 TE Blake Bell developing — he hasn’t really — taking a flier on Daniels would be a good way to go.

Sep 3, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils cornerback Breon Borders (31) during the game at Wallace Wade Stadium. Duke wins 49-6 over North Carolina Central University. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Breon Borders

Cornerback, Duke

Collegiate Statistics

It’s weird to think the 49ers would wait until Round 7 to target a defensive back.

But general manager Trent Baalke is, well, no longer the Niners general manager. And with a relatively deep crop at this position, the need isn’t quite as pressing as elsewhere.

Still, cornerback depth remains key. And targeting Duke corner Breon Borders is a nice pickup to kick off Round 7.

Borders, at 6-foot-0 and 180 pounds, posted 11 pass breakups and two interceptions last season. His 12 collegiate picks suggest he might be capable of emerging as a ballhawk-type defensive back if developed, technique-wise, properly.

Calvin Munson

EDGE, San Diego State

Collegiate Statistics

San Francisco might have landed the best edge rusher in this draft, with Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett. But any defensive coach can tell you a team can never have too many pass-rushers.

San Diego State’s Calvin Munson might not be an ideal guy to put in the pass rush. At 6-foot-1 and 245 pounds, he’s a bit of a tweener and not ideally sized to handle 300-plus-pound offensive linemen.

Sep 3, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs linebacker Calvin Munson (54) drops into coverage as New Hampshire Wildcats wide receiver Kyon Taylor (6) runs his route during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Still, Munson uses his shiftiness and speed to bring down ball carriers, amassing a whopping 116 tackles and 11 tackles for a loss his last season in college.

Remember what we said about the 49ers’ tackling problems?

More from Niner Noise

Keep in mind, this is just our first full seven-round NFL Draft mock for San Francisco. Things will change, and we’ll have a better idea on what ideal draft targets will be when the Niners coaching staff and general manager is put into place.

And let’s not forget the NFL Scouting Combine too. Players rise and fall aplenty during that phase.

But, for now, let’s hope San Francisco lands some much-needed talent across the board.

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