© Rick Osentoski | 2018 Sep 8
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler released a monster on Monday morning, dropping a seven-round mock draft that includes pick projections for all 255 selections. That mean’s all seven of the 49ers’ picks, without accounting for the possibility of trades.
Here’s what it looks like:
1 (13) WR Henry Ruggs, Alabama
Like nearly every other mock out there, Brugler has the 49ers taking one of the top three receivers in this draft with the 13th overall pick. Interestingly, however, is that Brugler believes the 49ers will select Ruggs with his teammate Jerry Jeudy still available. Both Mel Kiper and Todd McShay of ESPN, and many others, have ranked Jeudy higher than Ruggs, as the best wide receiver in this draft.
The belief here is that Kyle Shanahan sees Ruggs’ ability as a deep threat — the dude ran a 4.27 40-yard-dash at the NFL Combine — as the most desirable trait of any of the receivers. Brugler sees Ruggs as a good compliment to run-after-catch specialists Deebo Samuel and George Kittle.
1 (31) OG/C Cesar Ruiz, Michigan
Unlike pick 13, there isn’t much of a consensus as to what the 49ers will do at No. 31. A defensive back, defensive tackle or a trade have all been mocked here. Brugler believes a trade is a strong possibility, but if San Francisco stays here he likes them taking two time All-Big Ten selection Cesar Ruiz out of Michigan. Ruiz played center with the Wolverines, but is seen as a guard/center hybrid at the NFL level.
With starting right guard Mike Person gone, the 49ers are looking for a long-term replacement at the position. Ideally, Ruiz would fill that position until center Weston Richburg departs.
5 (156) CB L’Jarius Sneed, Louisiana Tech
Cornerback is widely seen as the team’s No. 2 need heading into the draft, and if a trade is not made, the 49ers would have to wait until the fifth round to select one. Sneed is a safety/corner hybrid that might be seen as a reach here, as most have projected him to go undrafted. Sneed has good size (6′ 0″, 192 lbs) and length, something that is highly valued in Robert Saleh’s defense. Sneed can also play in the slot.
5 (176) OT Alex Taylor, South Carolina State
Nobody’s sure at the time of writing what Joe Staley’s NFL future is, but even if the big man doesn’t retire this offseason, it’s about time the 49ers got some insurance at the left tackle position. Like Staley coming out of college, Taylor is uniquely athletic for an offensive lineman, and also played basketball at South Carolina State. Though his measurables are impressive, his love and commitment to football has been questioned. That’s not something that has dissuaded the 49ers in the past (see: Armstead, Arik).
6 (210) DS Alohi Gilman, Notre Dame
Jaquiski Tartt is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next year, and is often injured. The same is true for the recently re-signed Jimmie Ward. It makes sense to look for depth here. Gilman was a two-year starter at Notre Dame and is considered to be more of a run stopper than a coverage safety. He’s projected to be a productive special teams player.
7 (217) DL Malcolm Roach, Texas
The 49ers did just lose DeForest Buckner after all, and while they are unlikely to find his replacement in the seventh round, some depth at a position that was decimated with injuries in 2019 couldn’t hurt. Roach’s versatility is his most desirable quality. The 300 pounder played both linebacker and defensive end at Texas, but his expected to slot inside at the NFL level.
7 (245) TE Sean McKeon, Michigan
Another Wolverine, McKeon would come into compete for the roster spot vacated by Levine Toilolo, who left for the Giants this offseason. This is probably not the tight end that the 49ers are envisioning as sidekick for George Kittle in jumbo packages, but scouts believe he has upside as a pass catcher.