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San Francisco 49ers: Final 7-Round 2018 mock draft

By Nicholas McGee

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 07: Harold Landry #7 of the Boston College Eagles attempts to tackle Travon McMillian #34 of the Virginia Tech Hokies at Alumni Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 07: Harold Landry #7 of the Boston College Eagles attempts to tackle Travon McMillian #34 of the Virginia Tech Hokies at Alumni Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /
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TEMPE, AZ – OCTOBER 29: Royce Freeman #21 of the Oregon Ducks and teammates celebrate a first quarter goal against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on October 29, 2015 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ – OCTOBER 29: Royce Freeman #21 of the Oregon Ducks and teammates celebrate a first quarter goal against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on October 29, 2015 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Round 2, Pick 59: Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon

San Francisco needs help at guard and could use a long-term plan at the tackle position. Crosby could provide them with both. Crosby was dominant at left tackle for Oregon, using a combination of efficient footwork, a powerful punch and a robust anchor to shut down opposing pass rushers.

But he also has the versatility to be play inside, demonstrating natural power in the run game and enough athleticism to make blocks at the second level and succeed in a zone-blocking scheme. Crosby can start day one at guard or tackle, the 49ers can plug him in on the interior and then move him back outside to be their long-term left tackle once Joe Staley’s career comes to an end.

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Round 3, Pick 70: Quenton Meeks, CB, Stanford

Meeks is a player the 49ers have been able to look at very closely. John Lynch was there for his Pro Day just down the road at Stanford and Meeks also attended the 49ers’ local Pro Day. And San Francisco has plenty of reason to be interested in him. Meeks is extremely skilled in press coverage, consistently jamming receivers at the line and showing the ability to transition easily.

He has the footwork to stay square and mirror receivers but also uses a physical approach to pin them to the sideline.

With 17 pass deflections and seven interceptions in his career, Meeks has little problem finding the football and, though he has to learn not to be too reliant on his hands and improve his transition from off coverage, he is a great fit for the 49ers’ scheme and should only get better learning from Richard Sherman.

Round 3, Pick 74: Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas

John Lynch recently confirmed, per The Niners Wire, that the 49ers are approaching the draft as if Reuben Foster will not be on the team. Much like Foster, Jefferson is a very athletic linebacker who brings thump down near the line of scrimmage. He impresses in pursuit both downhill and sideline to sideline and tackles with proper technique while hitting with force.

Jefferson boasts smooth lateral movement to change direction quickly and dodge blocks at the second level, but also has the play strength and the instincts to take on double-teams and find the football.

Able to impact the game as a pass rusher — he had 10.5 sacks in his last two seasons — and make plays on the ball in coverage, Jefferson is an extremely versatile defender who should be able to slot in and start day one.

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