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2018 NFL Mock Draft: Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold lead way

By Brad Weiss

STILLWATER, OK - NOVEMBER 04: Quarterback Mason Rudolph #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys looks to throw against the Oklahoma Sooners at Boone Pickens Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Oklahoma State 62-52. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK - NOVEMBER 04: Quarterback Mason Rudolph #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys looks to throw against the Oklahoma Sooners at Boone Pickens Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Oklahoma State 62-52. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – NOVEMBER 18: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions flips over Dicaprio Bootle #23 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in what was originally ruled a touchdown then reviewed and pulled back to the 1 yard line during the first quarter on November 18, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – NOVEMBER 18: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions flips over Dicaprio Bootle #23 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in what was originally ruled a touchdown then reviewed and pulled back to the 1 yard line during the first quarter on November 18, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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Saquon Barkley

Running Back, Penn State

The San Francisco 49ers lost another game this past weekend, but the home fans were treated to a little Jimmy G action. Jimmy Garoppolo made his 49ers debut late in the team’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks, getting a loud ovation after taking over for the injured C.J. Beathard. Garoppolo proceeded to throw his first touchdown pass as a member of the 49ers, and the organization is hoping that is the first of so many more.

When it comes time to pick next April, look for the 49ers to give him another weapon on the offensive side of the ball. Saquon Barkley from Penn State is not only the best running back prospect in this draft class, but he may be the best we have seen in quite a while. He has the talent to do anything once he gets the ball in his hands, and the 49ers need playmakers of his ability if they are ever going to be competitive again.

Garoppolo is a good one, though he is only signed through this year. I expect that the 49ers wrap him up to a long-term deal this offseason, as Kyle Shanahan has to be excited about what the signal-caller could bring to the franchise. Teaming him with a player like Barkley will make the 49ers explosive on offense next season, and could be the first two pieces they need to really turn this thing around.

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