San Francisco 49ers: Arik Armstead leads in mock drafts, but is it right move?

Looking over the latest mock drafts released by the media, most people agree that the San Francisco 49ers are going to pick a cornerback with their 15th pick in the draft. However, one defensive tackle from Oregon that isn’t a cornerback received the most votes.

49ers.com released a latest compilation of mock draft picks for San Francisco. To save time, here’s a quick glance at all the players selected by various media members. The number after the player represents the number of people picking them. Defensive tackle Arik Armstead received the most votes.

Arik Armstead (DT, Oregon) – 4
Trae Waynes (CB, Michigan State) – 3
Ronald Darby (CB, Florida State) – 1
Brandon Scherff (OG, Iowa) – 1
La’El Collins (OT, LSU) – 1
Denzel Perryman (LB, Miami FL) – 1
Shaq Thompson (LB, Washington) – 1
Marcus Peters (CB, Washington) – 1

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Armstead and Waynes were the only players that received multiple votes. If still available when the 49ers are on the board, they couldn’t go wrong with either guy.

But why did Armstead get more votes if San Francisco needs to add some depth at cornerback? In addition to being the potential future replacement should Justin Smith retire soon, Dan Kadar of SB Nation explains how well the tackle fits in a 3-4 defense.

"When a team runs a 3-4, a lot of times you’re projecting how a player fits into the system. With Armstead, you don’t have to. He has experience as a 3-4 end and the traits any team would want in that system. While his play was spotty at times, he can be downright dominant in the run game and should continue getting better."

This all could depend on who, if either, is available. Despite more people picking Armstead, it’s going to be hard for the 49ers to pass up on Waynes. CBS Sports ranks him as the best cornerback available in the draft. Pete Prisco says he’s a perfect addition for the loss of Chris Culliver while Rob Rang believe he could play right away.

"Waynes, NFLDraftScout.com’s top-rated cornerback, has the length, athleticism and ballskills to step in and play immediately on a defense that remains one of the NFL’s best."

The 49ers need to land somebody at 15th that can suit up and give the team some comfort knowing they have a potential beast in an area they’ve struggled in. Everyone knows how great the team’s defense is overall, but there’s always been uncertainty at cornerback thanks to injuries with Chris Culliver and Tramaine Brock.

Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Arik Armstead (9) in game action against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Ohio State won 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Along with that, Armstead may have a lot of upside, but he could be a project to work on according to Mike Gerken of NE Patriots Draft.

"I get that his size and athleticism are rare, but he is a long term project in my mind. I see a guy who was given an opportunity to produce and never really did. Right now, he is not a pass rusher and I honestly don’t know if he ever will be."

The pick may be worth it later on, but definitely not the immediate impact the 49ers need — especially if Smith decides to play for another season.

Despite Armstead getting picked more, a better option for the 49ers is to fill their cornerback need. Waynes would be a great addition, and so would Marcus Peters. Ronald Darby feels too high. He’s a few inches shorter than both Waynes and Peters and is generally agreed to be in the second group of CB prospects. Plus, there’s another position that the 49ers have to fix — inside linebacker.

That’s where the 49ers could look at someone like Shaq Thompson, who has experience on a 3-4 defense. He’s actually had a lot of experience in various positions while playing at Washington.

That versatility at safety and special teams gives him even more value in the first round, but the 49ers would give him a great opportunity to play at the position he loves.

Let’s not forget the potential of getting a receiver with the first pick, even though that may not be a smart move considering other needs and how deep receiver depth is in this year’s draft.

Plus, since grabbing Jerry Rice back in 1985, first round wide receivers generally don’t work out too well in San Francisco. Michael Crabtree fizzled out, and does anyone remember A.J. Jenkins and Rashaun Woods?

To be honest, none of these players would be bad decisions and all of their stock fluctuates on various mock drafts. It’ll be interesting to see who Trent Baalke and the 49ers have in their order and who will be available once they’re on the board.

Next: Lance Briggs worth a look for 49ers?

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