San Francisco 49ers full 2018 mock draft

Jordan Whitehead, S, Pittsburgh

San Francisco let former first round pick safety Eric Reid go in free agency. The team has Jaquiski Tartt, Jimmy Ward and Adrien Colbert to fill in the void. Of all the three, none have the ability to play near the line of scrimmage like Reid. Getting a replacement defensive back, who is essentially an under-sized linebacker, would aid this defense.

Jordan Whitehead is the type of prospect who could fill that role. As an exceptional athlete, he was a star for the Panthers for the past two seasons. He will be best used as a sub-package defensive back handling run support duties and defending bigger slot receivers. It would be a shock if this team comes out of this draft without a safety, given general manager John Lynch’s playing history.

Round 5 – Pick 145

Colby Gossett, G, Appalachian State

As previously mentioned, the 49ers are looking to upgrade their offensive line. It started with the signing of Weston Richburg. Getting former first round pick Josh Garnett back will also do wonders for this team. That leaves Laken Tomlinson as the weak link of this offensive line. An upgrade could be had late in the draft.

Colby Gossett of Appalachian State has the chance to be that upgrade. He is a road grader at guard. San Francisco may be best served letting Tomlinson start the season and groom Gossett as his replacement. The 49ers would get two upgrades on their offensive line for next year and keep Garoppolo happy for years to come.

Round 6 – Pick 184

Darrel Williams, RB,LSU

Signing Jerrick McKinnon this offseason gave head coach Kyle Shanahan the perfect back for his system. McKinnon’s ability to be a threat as a receiver will give his dynamic offense threats regardless of formation. Depth behind McKinnon is shaky at best. There are running backs that are not being discussed towards the bottom of the draft that would give the team a great compliment. Darrel Williams of LSU is that type of player.

Stuck behind former first-round pick Leonard Fournette and future first-round pick Derrius Guice, Williams did not get the credit he deserved. As a partner in the backfield with McKinnon, Williams could be a thunder to the formers’ lightning. He may not be the fastest player but he is a tough, physical runnier who can also catch the ball well out of the backfield.

Round 7 – Pick 223

Ade Aruna, EDGE, Tulane

After spending three consecutive first round picks on defensive lineman, the 49ers still lack a elite pass rusher. Soloman Thomas, last year’s third overall pick should develop into more of an edge threat in his second season. Ade Aruna would be worth the investment for San Francisco.

Aruna is a traits player, showing off a rare mix of size, speed and athleticism. He was able to make a division one roster despite only playing football after emigrating from Nigeria in high school. There are flashes of potential but he is a developmental prospect. Learning on the job could grow him into a legitimate option as a pass rusher.

Round 7 – Pick 240

Javon Wims, WR, Georgia

San Francisco already grabbed wide receiver Anthony Miller earlier in this draft. He is a smaller receiver who is a polished route runner and showed flashes as a deep threat. Current starting receivers Goodwin and Garcon are both on the wrong side of 30. Addressing the future of the position, with a risk/reward pick at the end of day three makes sense for a team without glaring holes deep on the roster.

Javon Wims of Georgia is that type of player. Wims is a big receiver who excels at winning in the air. He lacks the deep speed that could get him on the field early. However, he is a rising player with impressive size. Wims could start his career as a red-zone threat and eventually finding his way into a bigger role as he grows as a route runner and nuanced receiver.