NFL free agency rumors are dominating the headlines on Monday, but it would be a shame to begin the work week without a fresh crop of mock drafts. Below are all of the latest expert predictions for what the San Francisco 49ers will do with the ninth-overall pick. Of note, this is the first wave of mocks following the 49ers coin toss against the Raiders.
Todd McShay, ESPN: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
"Edmunds is a gift at No. 9. At 6-foot-4, 254 pounds, he has elite speed (4.47 40) and athleticism -- and he's only 19. Edmunds has the ability to play off the ball on first and second downs and rush the QB on obvious passing downs."
Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
"Roquan Smith isn't the biggest guy (6'1", 236 lbs) but is incredibly fast to the ball and showed that with his 4.51 time in the 40-yard dash. He's the best in the draft class at playing the run and can be a shutdown player outside the hashes. He reminds me of a young Bobby Wagner in that way."
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
"The 49ers are ecstatic Nelson is available, and he'll be an anchor on the offensive line for the next decade protecting Jimmy Garoppolo against interior pass-rushers in the NFC West."
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama
"Fitzpatrick will be the leader of the Niners' secondary for years to come."
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: Derwin James, S, Florida State
"James is a special talent capable of starting at multiple positions."
Dan Kadar, SB Nation: Nelson
"The only reason Nelson could slip this far — and there's an outside shot he could — is because of positional value. If he was a tackle, he'd be a top five lock. But as a guard, his value is diminished slightly."
Joe Marino, NDT Scouting: Edmunds
"Edmunds is the type of talent a defense can be built around and represents too much value to slide beyond San Francisco. An Edmunds-Reuben Foster pairing on the second level would be reminiscent of the Patrick Willis-NaVorro Bowman days."
R.J. White, CBS Sports: James
"James dominated the combine, putting up a 4.47 40 at 215 pounds and great numbers across the board, including an 11-foot broad jump and 40-inch vertical. He also shined during the on-field drills."
Steve Palazzolo, Pro Football Focus: Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College
"At his best, he's the top pass-rusher in the class while adding solid play against the run, and the 49ers have a chance to add another valuable piece to their defensive front."
Luke Easterling, USA Today: Fitzpatrick
"The wins just keep stacking up for the 49ers, who land a top-five prospect on the back end of the top 10. With the size and skill set to play anywhere in the secondary, Fitzpatrick could make an immediate impact for a unit in need of a difference-maker."
Justin Melo, USA Today: Marcus Davenport, EDGE, UTSA
"Davenport is a raw but explosive pass rusher who wins with length, quickness and short-area burst."
Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports: James
"With Fitzpatrick and Jackson gone, the Niners address another need with one of the stars of the combine.
Walter Cherepinsky, walterfootball.com: Fitzpatrick
"Fitzpatrick can play both (safety and corner), and it could be argued that he's the best player available."
Charlie Campbell, walterfootball.com: Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
"Payne dominated at the point of attack in 2017, stuffing runs while showcasing his freakish speed and athleticism. On the year, he totaled 53 tackles, two half-sacks, three passes batted, an interception and a touchdown reception. I heard general managers and scouts raving about Payne all season."
Maurice Moton, Bleacher Report: James
Final Tally (15 Total)
James - 4
Fitzpatrick - 3
Nelson - 2
Edmunds - 2
Landry - 1
Smith - 1
Davenport - 1
Payne - 1
