NFL Mock Draft: Full 1st round action
By Ben Almquist
7. San Francisco 49ers: Paxton Lynch – QB – Memphis
Why?: The presumption here, of course, is that the Kaepernick trade gets done. But to be honest, even if the trade falls through…I think the 49ers should be going QB early. Kaep will be gone sooner or later (a little wrinkle to that later on), and it’s best to be prepared for that eventuality.
If they can’t get a QB?: If all three of the presumed first-round QBs are off the board, this becomes a simple answer…take the best CB still available. The SF secondary is almost non-existent. The tremendous defense that was built under Mike Singletary is almost completely gone. While QB will trump their draft board, CB is really where they should be looking.
8. Philadelphia Eagles (from MIA): Vernon Hargreaves III- CB – Florida
Why?: The Eagles play in a division where the worst passing offense features Tony Romo and Dez Bryant. Their current answer to that on the outside is 2nd year man Eric Rowe and slot corner Leodis McKelvin. Hargreaves is a great fit for this defense and should help give the pass rushers more time to get after opposing QBs.
Going Offensive: A rumor was leaked (and then quickly deleted) that the Eagles are absolutely in love with Ezekiel Elliot (RB – Ohio State). I don’t doubt the truth of that simply because Elliot is a great player. However, I do doubt that Howie Roseman is going to take a RB this early while trying to win back the fan base and media after the Chip Kelly debacle.
Next: Picks 9-10