Despite having a clear need at quarterback, it appears the San Francisco 49ers will not be addressing that position in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. The Los Angeles Rams are sure to draft either Jared Goff or Carson Wentz with the first overall pick, leaving the Philadelphia Eagles to take whoever is left.
Who could the 49ers target in the later rounds, and which defensive stud makes the most sense at No. 7 overall? Read on for the latest 49ers draft rumors.
DeForest Buckner The Best Bet At No. 7?
With Goff and Wentz unavailable, it doesn't make sense for the 49ers to reach on a QB at No. 7. Instead, the team would be best-served filling a hole on either its offensive or defensive line. Given GM Trent Baalke's track record, expect San Francisco to target the latter.
Defensive end DeForest Buckner would seem to represent the most likely selection at No. 7. The Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year has all of the physical traits to excel at the next level, and head coach Chip Kelly actually recruited him to Oregon. With that said, don't be surprised if the 49ers take the best player available approach if cornerback Jalen Ramsey, linebacker Myles Jack, or another projected top-six pick falls to them at seven.
3 QBs For 49ers To Target After First Round
The 49ers are sure to draft a quarterback to compete with Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick (if he sticks around) with one of their first few picks. Both Memphis' Paxton Lynch and Mississippi State's Dak Prescott would fit into Kelly's offense scheme, and the team has also courted Michigan State signal-caller Connor Cook in recent weeks.
Jon Gruden views Cook as "a great fit" for San Francisco, while Mike Mayock zeroed in on Lynch if he is available after the first round.
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