The 49ers took a lot of steps in replenishing their roster with this year's draft. They started things out in Chip Kelly's first season with a familiar face for him in defensive end DeForest Buckner. It's hard to bet against his power and size up front. They moved back into the first round to take Garnett, and gave up a steep price for him. If he turns into a good starter, though, it won't matter as much. Will Redmond in the third round is the cornerback the 49ers need. He's had some injury issues, but he can make plays. If Rashard Robinson's talent can be turned into something, the 49ers got an excellent value with the No. 133 pick. He's a risk because of off-field issues, but he has size and athleticism that can't be taught. The 49ers got a good value in the fifth round with defensive end Ronald Blair. He's a quick and powerful player who San Francisco could push out to linebacker. The 49ers waited a while to target the position, but got a solid quarterback in Jeff Driskel. He has good pure physical tools.
—Dan Kadar, SB Nation
This marks the second straight season the 49ers have selected an Oregon defensive lineman. And most analysts think Buckner is better than Arik Armstead. The big difference is that Armstead was a bit more raw coming out of Oregon. We saw Armstead show some serious skill in his rookie year, and now we get to see his former Ducks teammate joining him on the line.
The move is a bit of a surprise as many thought Garnett would slip down to the second round. However, the 49ers obviously were big fans, and he will get a chance to compete for the right guard role right away. Zane Beadles is locked in at left guard, having only played there his entire career. This is a bit of a statement on what the team thinks about guys like Andrew Tiller,Brandon Thomas, and maybe Marcus Martin. Very intriguing.
The San Francisco 49ers have added secondary help. The team used their third round pick on Mississippi State cornerback Will Redmond. He tore his ACL in October 2015, so there's your redshirt candidate right off the bat. ... The 49ers need secondary depth, but I'm a little confused by the decision to go with someone who might miss some time. He could very well be back by training camp, but given the 49ers history, the NFI list seems like a logical starting point.
The 49ers added more secondary depth, selecting LSU cornerback Rashard Robinson. He had some off-field concerns, but there is no denying the talent. This is the second straight round the team has selected secondary help.
The San Francisco 49ers have drafted Appalachian State defensive end Ronald Blair in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He has 20.5 career sacks, and had 7.5 last season. At 6'2, 284 pounds, and with 34 inch arms, he adds even more depth to the defensive line.
After four of the last five picks went defense, the team added another offensive lineman. The 49ers picked Georgia offensive tackle John Theus at No. 145. The 49ers offensive line was a mess in 2015, so it is no surprise to see the team add more depth. They traded up into the first round to select Stanford guard Joshua Garnett. The addition of an offensive tackle means more competition for Trenton Brown on the right side.
Cooper seems like a depth guy as opposed to starter. The 49ers clearly were not pleased with their OL depth last year. It is a bit odd they are avoiding skill positions, but Trent Baalke has always said it starts in the trenches.
The 49ers quarterback position remains a question mark for fans, but clearly not for Trent Baalke. The team has Blaine Gabbert, Colin Kaepernick, Thad Lewis, and Dylan Thompson currently on the roster. There is still a chance the team trades or releases Kaepernick, but otherwise, that's your group. Driskel is a developmental talent, and as a sixth round pick, it's not like he is guaranteed a roster spot. The 49ers will see what he can do in the offseason workout program and training camp, and then go from there. I fully expect a strong performance in one preseason game that has us all irrationally calling for him to be starting.
The team drafted Florida running back Kelvin Taylor with their first comp pick of the sixth round. Taylor is the son of Florida legend Fred Taylor. The 49ers have quite a few running backs on the roster, but last year showed you cannot have enough. Carlos Hyde is the starter, with Mike Davis, Shaun Draughn, DuJuan Harris, Jarryd Hayne, and Kendall Gaskins serving as depth. The 49ers spent a fourth round pick on Davis last season, while landing the other four as free agents. Although Hyde will get the bulk of the work, Chip Kelly has shown no hesitation using a lot of running backs. Expect plenty of work for the backups.
It is not entirely shocking to see the 49ers go with a wide receiver in the sixth round. They needed some help at the position, and Burbridge is an intriguing talent for the slot. Torrey Smith is far and away the most experienced receiver. After that, they've got Quinton Patton, Bruce Ellington, Jerome Simpson, CFL product Eric Rogers, DeAndre Smelter, DeAndrew White, DiAndre Campbell, and Dres Anderson. There is talent there, but a lot of questions. More depth is necessary, and Burbridge brings it.
Iworah ran a 4.32 40 at his Pro Day, so straight line speed is certainly there. He stands 5'9, 192 pounds, so he is short but stout, with 25 reps on the bench press. Seventh round picks are generally just guys you are hoping to stash on your practice squad, but maybe he can surprise.