Our series “32 NFL mock drafts in 32 days” continues with the San Francisco 49ers 2021 NFL mock draft. San Francisco has been busy in free agency as they have managed to retain some playmakers. The biggest addition for the 49ers is that they will get a host of players back from injury. Heading to draft day the 49ers have nine selections. For a team that finished 6-10 in 2020, the draft is crucial to the San Francisco 49ers.
Prior to getting started with this San Francisco edition of our NFL mock draft, we need to take a look at what the 49ers have been up to in free agency. Firstly, Trent Williams was signed to a huge extension as he became the highest-paid offensive linemen in NFL history. Next up was the center of the offensive line as the 49ers brought in Alex Mack.
With the offensive line sorted out, John Lynch’s attention turned to the fullback position. Kyle “The Juice” Juszczyk agreed to terms on a five-year $27 million contract. Making him once again the highest-paid full-back in the league. With current players signed and the injured players coming back the 49ers are in a strong position.
John Lynch pulled off a monster trade with the Miami Dolphins and moved up to number three in the 2021 NFL draft. San Francisco sent their first-round and third-round (compensatory) picks in 2021 and their first-round picks in 2022 and 2023. A huge trade but will allow Kyle Shanahan to go and get the quarterback that he wants to lead his offense. That being said let’s get into it and take a look at our San Francisco 49ers NFL mock draft.
San Francisco 49ers NFL Mock Draft Day One
1.03 | Justin Fields | QB | Ohio State
Much has been made of what the San Francisco 49ers are going to do with the third overall pick in the 2021 draft. One thing is for sure, moving up to number three and drafting Mac Jones is the wrong decision if Justin Feilds is available. And everything suggests that Fields will be available. Patience in the pocket and an arm capable of making any throw that he wants, coupled with his dual-threat ability makes him an NFL-ready quarterback.
His ability to pass on the move will make him an ideal fit in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. The ability to sell play-action will suit him well and the knowledge that he can improvise if he gets into trouble will keep Shanahan’s mind at ease. There should be no other name on this card when it’s time for San Francisco’s pick on draft night.
San Francisco 49ers NFL Mock Draft Day Two
2.43 | Kelvin Joseph | CB | Kentucky
Richard Sherman would appear to be on his way out of San Francisco and in this NFL mock draft, they find their replacement in Kelvin Joseph. His ability to diagnose plays quickly serves him well when he needs to step up in the run game. A physical player who keeps the play in front of him and doesn’t get beaten easily. Whilst playing in college he played in numerous different roles including following one player around all game and playing in coverage.
A strong player who, despite his lack of college games, can step into a starting role in the NFL.
3.102 | Tyler Shelvin | DT | LSU
Next up in this 49ers NFL mock draft is another addition to the defensive side of the ball. Tyler Shelvin from LSU is a 6-3, 346-pound wrecking machine. Despite sitting out for his final season, Shelvin has plenty of quality tape for NFL teams to look over. Shelvin holds up the offensive line well and allows his linebackers to be free to get pressure on the quarterback or to stuff the run game. A strong addition to an already strong defense.
San Francisco 49ers NFL Mock Draft Day Three
4.117 | Quincey Roche | Edge | Miami (FL)
With Nick Bosa on one side, the San Francisco 49ers have one of the best players in the league at getting to the quarterback. Now is the time to bring in another edge player to learn from Bosa who can also make an instant impact. Quincey Roche started his college career at Temple before he transitioned to Miami.
Quick off the mark and the ability to beat the first man will serve him well against stronger opposition in the NFL. His ability to catch on to the run game quickly will make him an instant star in Santa Clara.
5.155 | Jaylen Twyman | DT | Pittsburgh
Another defensive tackle makes his way to San Francisco in this NFL mock draft. Jaylen Twyman from Pittsburgh is explosive off the line and gets pressure on the quarterback. His downside is that when he is not quick off the mark he gets easily moved out of position. If he can put some more weight on and build up his strength he could turn into a nightmare for offenses.
5.172 | Damar Hamlin | S | Pittsburgh
The second trip to the University of Pittsburgh in as many picks for the San Francisco 49ers brings in more help to the defense. Damar Hamlin, the safety out of Pittsburgh is more strength in the secondary of the defense. With high-school experience at cornerback, Hamlin has played in all roles in the secondary. Hamlin has gotten better each year and he is ready to step into professional football. Incredibly good at reading the run and stopping it for no gain. His tackles for a loss number show how well he anticipates the play.
Another player who can step into a starting role and have an instant impact.
5.180 | David Moore | OG | Grambling State
A great late-round addition comes in the form of offensive guard David Moore. Another player who has improved dramatically from his first year at college. With both tackles sorted and a new center signed in free agency, the guard position is next to add some depth. Despite his size, he has quick feet which will help him in pass protection. With a new dynamic quarterback in the system, the San Francisco offensive linemen better be prepared to move around.
6.194 | Jimmy Morrissey | OC | Pittsburgh
As previously mentioned, the San Francisco 49ers brought in Alex Mack to be their starter in 2021. Playing in his 13th year, Mack doesn’t have many more to go. Given that the 49ers have one of the best rosters in the league, now is the time to think towards the future, and the future of the center position is Jimmy Morrissey. The third prospect from the University of Pittsburgh to be selected by the San Francisco 49ers in this NFL mock draft.
A consistent presence for Pittsburgh who has honed his skills for five years and 47 games in the ACC. Has excelled in both the passing game and the run game with his ability to get to the second level. Could be a gem if the 49ers get him in the sixth round.
7.230 | Isaiah McDuffie | LB | Boston College
A late-round depth addition for Kyle Shanahan in the final pick of this NFL mock draft. In his final season with Boston College, he racked up over 100 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, and an interception. If he is available at this stage of the draft, the San Francisco 49ers should be all over him.
San Francisco 49ers 2021 NFL Mock Draft Recap
If this NFL mock draft can turn into a reality for the San Francisco 49ers they could find themselves as the favorites for the NFC crown. A strong squad gets a whole lot stronger. The big addition is Justin Fields as their quarterback of the future. With a rookie quarterback, this team could stay together for years to come.
Thanks for reading my Arizona Cardinals 2021 NFL mock draft. For more great NFL content, follow me on Twitter @Steelers_Mark and also follow @OTH_Football.
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