Fansided

NFL Draft 2015 grades: San Francisco 49ers select Arik Armstead

By Matt Verderame

Nov 8, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Arik Armstead (9) between plays during the second half against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Oregon won 51-27. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Arik Armstead (9) between plays during the second half against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Oregon won 51-27. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the 17th-overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected Oregon Ducks defensive tackle Arik Armstead. Armstead is one of the more raw first-round picks, but has incredible size and strength. Armstead was one of the anchors on the Oregon team that went to the National Championship game in January.

Pick: B

Armstead is a great talent, and is going to a team that will develop him. Head coach Jim Tomsula is a former defensive line coach, so Armstead will get special attention from the staff. Armstead could be replacing Justin Smith, one of the league’s best defensive ends over the past decade.

The 49ers have a lot of needs, so getting Armstead makes plenty of sense. San Francisco is in rebuilding mode and stuck in the very tough NFC West, so getting a project works just fine here.

Going forward, San Francisco could still use a bevy of players. The wide receiver position needs to be added upon with Anquan Boldin getting older. The corners are also a concern, with some problems arising over the past few years outside the numbers.

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