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San Francisco 49ers quarterback search ends in 7-round 2021 NFL mock draft

By Cody Williams

Delaware defensive lineman Jordan Morris (left) moves for North Dakota State's Trey Lance in the third quarter of Delaware's 47-22 loss at Delaware Stadium Saturday.Ud V North Dakota
Delaware defensive lineman Jordan Morris (left) moves for North Dakota State's Trey Lance in the third quarter of Delaware's 47-22 loss at Delaware Stadium Saturday.Ud V North Dakota /
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San Francisco 49ers, 2021 NFL mock draft
Jaret Patterson, San Francisco 49ers, 2021 NFL mock draft. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

With injuries on the defensive line in the 2020 season, the need for depth on the edge was heightened and they could strike some nice value with Malcolm Koonce. The Buffalo product is versatile with experience as a hand-down and stand-up rusher off the edge. He has nice quickness to get after quarterbacks but is a good enough athlete to drop into coverage as well. His versatility and experience would be welcome in San Francisco.

Though the Niners have deep running back group on the roster, the truth of the matter is that they’ve often had trouble keeping those guys healthy. With that and possible departures, they could look to add someone like Jaret Patterson.

Most famous for a record-breaking 400-yard, eight-touchdown outing this season, he’s a versatile running back who can run in different sets and be a nice pass-catcher. While likely not capable of being the lead back, he’d be an ideal fit in this team’s committee approach.

After trading for Trent Williams last offseason, the 49ers don’t necessarily need an immediate starter at tackle, which is good. That affords them to wait a bit and take a potentially fruitful project like Adrian Ealy.

The Oklahoma product is still growing into his long frame and that’s evidenced by a lack of functional strength. However, with his size and length plus his ability to move decently, he could develop into a starter in a couple of years and be a nice addition in San Francisco.

When you have an offensive mind like Shanahan’s in the building, you always want to keep freshening things up. That means adding new weapons (such as Patterson) and Anthony Schwartz is another player who fits that bill.

Though surprisingly limited in terms of quickness, Schwartz’s straight-line speed is absolutely elite. He needs refinement as a route-runner but, in Shanahan’s system, he could earn touches with his ability to break a play open in an instant.

Cornerback depth is always a concern but especially so for the Niners. Subsequently, they take another dart throw at the position in the form of Camryn Bynum. He was a longtime starter at Cal and enjoyed a ton of success. While he’s a limited athlete that should be limited to only playing on the outside, his football IQ is never in question and he has a nice physicality to his game that could earn him some sort of role.

Finishing off this 49ers mock draft, we again turn our attention to the offensive line as we try and find depth. That’s what Syrus Tuitele could potentially bring to the table for San Francisco with the right coaching.

Next. 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Texans trade Watson to Panthers. dark

The Fresno State product is a limited athlete but has nice length after playing tackle in college. He could be moved to guard but that hint of possible versatility makes him a nice body to bring in and work out to see if he could fit anywhere.