We did seven rounds every Friday and we will keep the theme going today. The choice on number 3 is getting old. I do not bud. If you have the chance to get an elite player in the draft, you do it. Since the 49ers are capable of grabbing one, and I act as the de facto GM, it will be QB1b.
As always, we use PFF’s mock-head simulator.
Nr. 3 – QB Justin Fields, Ohio St.
Which trait does Kyle Shanahan like most in a QB? No one knows, but based on history; it is accuracy. You get a quarterback hitting receivers in the face mask, whether it’s on a 15-yard return to the far-hash or a 50-yard post in the field.
Here is a QB, in three quarters:
– throw with anticipation
– to miss 3 unblocked defenders in a row
– A 25-yard return on the $$ throw
– a seam allowance of 40 meters in the field with touch
– to organically expand a play with its natural power pic.twitter.com/6niShJb1nE– KP (@KP_Show) 9 April 2021
The more I look at Fields, the more I think it’s the choice. I saw a 2019 game where the state of Ohio stepped down and threw fast RPOs. Fields throws the ball outside the numbers and on time. It was nothing special, but at the same time it was a thing of beauty.
In the same game, Fields missed four unblocked defenders. He is the choice. Establish it.
Trade! San Francisco get: Choose 27 Baltimore get: choose 43, 155, 172, 180 –
EDGE Kwity Paye, Michigan
Jaelan Phillips has left the board, as have Georgia’s Azeez Ojulari and Jayson Oweh of Penn State. Before the onslaught of edge hunters began, we pulled up to a guy who would help right away.
Paye looks like a superhuman human being. He ran a 4.54 40-yard turn and had a 6.35-3 cone. Paye is explosive and can bend the edge, and that’s exactly what we’re looking for. Paye’s delivery to the next group of edge rushers is steep, so I do not mind giving up several times for a player who, in my opinion, complements Nick Bosa as a tee.
Paye does not have a passive arsenal, but that’s what I pay Kris Kocurek for. Paye does not have to be a star out of the gate. He needs to be productive and know all the 1-on-1 opportunities he gets. I would not worry about the rapid manufacture of edge rusher.
No. 102 – CB Paulson Adebo, Stanford
It feels too good to be true because I believe Adebo is a second-round talent. If he puts out a year, it could hurt him, but Adebo is athletic as any corner in the draft and has the best ball skills over the last few years. If the ball is in the air, chances are Adebo will help it.
We can take care of him during his rookie season, and eventually Adebo becomes an appetizer. If Demeco Ryans wants to flash more, it’s essential to get a cornerback who is comfortable playing both press and outside coverage. Three choices. Three starters. At three premium positions.
No. 117 – WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Iowa
We chose a Stanford pick, and now it’s time to pick a Hawkeye. Smith-Marsette is a burner. Do not be fooled by the school he went to. He is immediately the best return in the team since Tedd Ginn. For those of you who have not yet seen him play, check out these highlights:
He runs a 4.43 40-yard drive with a striking 1.47-10 split and jumps 37 “in the vertical point. He is only 181 pounds, but in the offense of Kyle Shanahan, ISM could be in the groove be and on the move, so free releases will suffice.
No. 194 – CB Shemar Jean-Charles, app. St.
I reload the corner box with two players known for taking the colleagues away. Jean-Charles may be a little undersized, but his confidence and aggression more than just compensate for his measurements.
In the worst case, I have a special drink. At best, I have a cornerback who could replace K’Waun Williams in the lock this year. Jean-Charles fits better with Ryans’ human scheme. He is also comfortable playing outside coverage. I’m not shying away from a player who broke 17 passes and was an All-American.
The theme of this spot was consistent: get players with an uber talent who performed at a high level at university. No projections.
No. 230 – Jermar Jefferson, Oregon St.
Shanahan gets his Alfred Morris in the seventh round. Jefferson, at 206 pounds, had one of the worst pro days in sports. He ran fast, at 4.55, but every other benchmark was far below average.
I’m in the seventh round, and I’m getting a running rugby that may have better eyesight than any other player in the draft. Jefferson’s patience as a runner should appeal to the 49ers. While he may not be the best athlete, it’s clear he’s burst through the hole.
Jefferson is your prototypical one-time runner who excels in Shanahan’s system.