2021 NFL Draft Thread and Discussion

[GS Warriors 1]

Florida St. DT Marvin Wilson signs with the Browns is the first one. His was actually announced during Mr. Irrelevant pick announcement.

[thesack12]

Who are y'alls UDFA targets?

The Lynchahan regime has brought in some solid UDFA's

Emmanuel Moseley
Kendrick Bourne
Matt Breida
Ross Dwelley
Nick Mullens

[GS Warriors 1]

49ers sign TE Josh Pederson, Louisiana-Monroe

[GS Warriors 1]

QB's: Shane Buechele (Chiefs), Jamie Newman (Eagles)

[GS Warriors 1]

Only 10 QB's drafted this year, 3rd class since 2000 to have 10 or fewer QB's drafted. Of course, 5 of them were in round 1. Top-heavy class as expected.

[thesack12]

49ers sign TE Josh Pederson, Louisiana-Monroe

Doug Pederson's son

[GS Warriors 1]

49ers sign Ohio St. LB Justin Hilliard.

[thesack12]

49ers sign Ohio St. LB Justin Hilliard.

Already 24 years old, and has suffered a torn achilles/torn meniscus/torn biceps (twice).

Doesn't seem like there's much upside here, but there is no risk either

[GS Warriors 1]

Hilliard was known as a leader on the team and worked hard to get back on the field. I could see why the 49ers like that mentality.

[wco81]

This draft got a lot of attention for a couple of months because of the QBs and then the big trade up.

Otherwise, who knows how impactful the players in this draft class will be.

[thesack12]

Hilliard was known as a leader on the team and worked hard to get back on the field. I could see why the 49ers like that mentality.

Maybe they can give him a "morale coach" title, to lift the spirits and motivate the plethora of dudes that are rehabbing on this team.

[thesack12]

This draft got a lot of attention for a couple of months because of the QBs and then the big trade up.

Otherwise, who knows how impactful the players in this draft class will be.

After pick #3, it was a very unremarkable draft.

Granted everything involved with #3 provides plenty enough sizzle, but there is a legit question if anybody drafted in the entire class will be a key contributor this season. Assuming health, at best we are probably looking at one of the G's and one of the CB's being rotational players. Maybe Ambry Thomas becomes the kick returner.

[thesack12]

49ers sign WR Austin Watkins Jr from UAB.

Sammy Watkins' cousin

Has good size, played in the senior bowl, has consistent hands, is a willing blocker.

Could do worse for a UDFA

[thesack12]

Read on Twitter

Seems like a pretty sizable guarantee for a UDFA. They must feel strongly about his chances of making the final roster.

Athleticism and special teams coverage seem to be his best attributes

[CrimsonCrew]

The Cleveland Browns got a STEAL in Demetric Felton. Mark my words!

As disturbing as it is, the Browns are now a well-run organization.

[CrimsonCrew]

Since we drafted so many guys who played in the Senior Bowl, figured I'd post these practice reports in here. For each guy, you can click through each day and get an overall analysis. Everyone the Niners added gets pretty solid reviews:

https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-senior-bowl-practice-report-american-team/

https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-senior-bowl-practice-report-national-team/

I always take senior bowl reports with a grain of salt since it's hard to catch everything, and guys may base an opinion on one or two reps, but these guys at least break up the position groups in a way that they should be able to give more attention to all the players.

[CrimsonCrew]

Someone had asked about Moore at center. Apparently he did some snapping at his pro day, but hasn't played there. Sounds like he could be groomed for the spot. From his college coach:

"I saw him snapping today for the first time just in case, and he’s definitely smart enough to do that if he had to."

[Scoots1994]

Hilliard was known as a leader on the team and worked hard to get back on the field. I could see why the 49ers like that mentality.

A shot at ST ace is his best chance

[Scoots1994]

I like the players but it all hinges on Lance.

[Jikkle]

Outside of the 3rd pick I can't really speak for the rest of the class but I did mostly love the direction they took.

Both the offensive line and secondary needed an infusion of talent and depth and that's what they did.

I'm glad they actually invested a serious pick into an offensive guard position instead of dumpster diving that they've been doing since 2017. Whether it was the right player or not remains to be seen but I'll give them an A for actually investing in it.

Also feels like Shanahan is gearing up a 2.0 version of his offense especially his running attack. Seems like they are trying to add some more power with the line so they'll hold up better in pass protection and we might see some more inside runs. Plus with Lance on the team we won't be the Ravens or anything but Kyle is going to want to run Lance enough that defense have to respect him as a threat to run.

Can't say I'm a fan of drafting two running backs though. I didn't love the Trey Sermon pick but I don't hate it either. Some really good backs come out of the 3rd round and having a back with enough talent to get drafted is a plus considering the backfield was entirely UDFAs. And unfortunately need of the backs on the roster could handle a serious work load without getting hurt so some quality depth was needed.

Overall really looking forward seeing the offense over the course of the next two season to see how it's going to work and pan out.