Mock Draft 1.0 - 49ers Trade Jimmy Garoppolo to Colts

It's officially mock draft szn, baby!

The San Francisco 49ers Trade QB Jimmy Garoppolo to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a 2nd round pick (#48) and 5th round pick (#157)

The Colts have made it clear that they will not move forward with Carson Wentz at QB in 2022 just one year removed from trading for the former #1 overall pick from the Eagles this past season.

The Colts have built a playoff ready roster and are one solid QB away from getting into the playoffs. Garoppolo has proven to be a top tier leader and his presence alone could elevate the Colts to instant playoff contenders in the AFC.

(Trade) R2: 48 - EDGE Arnold Ebiketie

The San Francisco 49ers are able to turn QB Jimmy Garoppolo into a blue chip pass rush specialist in Penn St. Arnold Ebiketie.

Ebiketie is a former transfer from Temple who didn't lose a step once playing against top tier D1 talent week in and week out. As you can see from his stats below, he actually played better against the Big Ten opponents, racking up 9.5 sacks as a senior. The sack numbers are nice, but the 52 total pressures may be more indicative of his presence as a pass rusher for the Nittany Lions.

From a traits perspective, there is a lot to like about AE. He comes in at a height of 6'3" with a unrelenting motor and ability to use his hands in pass rushing situations and creates a lot of problems for bigger left tackles. AE's rip through move is one of his better pass rush moves that allows him to win around the edge with consistency. He has the required bend and burst to translate to the NFL level as well as solid counter moves off his main bag of tools.

He has a skillset that would allow him to play base downs in the NFL, however I see a specialized role in the Kris Kourcrek DL rotation for the 49ers as a rookie. Playing on the opposite side of Nick Bosa, AE could see a lot of freedom with opposing OLines sliding protection to Bosa.

Having a guy who can win 1v1 matchups across from Bosa could elevate the 49ers' pass rush to the deadliest in the league. My goal to see the 49ers bolster speed rush opposite of Bosa in 2022, I have made it a personal mission.

The 49ers would have a very solid start to the draft if they were able to move Jimmy Garoppolo and add a player like Ebiketie to the roster.

R2: 61 - Safety Kerby Joseph

Kerby Joseph is one of my early favorites in this draft class at safety for the versatility he brings to the field. At 6"1 200 lbs, I see a guy who has a skillset that could be viewed similarly to Jimmie Ward's. A guy that shows good physical ability but also has the range to play single-high or split deep.

He has a wingspan that reaches almost 6-foot-8 which you can see used to his advantage on tape. He's not an ultra-elite athlete but definitely more than capable to be successful in the NFL. He would also be an instant impact on special teams as he excelled as a gunner and kickoff for the Illini.

Joseph has an ability to identify the ball in the air and meet it at his highest point, allowing him to get PBU's/INT's with some regularity. He was able to snag 5 INT's in 2021 and proved he has plus+ ball skills as a safety. The 49ers could use an injection of turnovers from the safety position.

Heading into 2022 with Jimmie Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, Tarvarius Moore and Kerby Joseph would be a solid safety room.

Kerby Joseph's 90.6 Coverage Grade is the highest by a Big 10 Safety since Malik Hooker in 2016, according to PFF.

R3:93 - C Donovan West

Center Dohnovan West out of ASU would be a perfect matchup not only for the 49er but for me as he is one of me early draft crushes this season.

West shows an ability that you're looking for in every zone-oriented center. He is a plus+ athlete from the center position as he is asked routinely to pull. Typically, you only pull a center if he is in the upper echelon of athletic skillset from the IOL standpoint and it is something that ASU does with regularity. Kyle Shanahan could use his ability to pull from the center position to add additional wrinkles to the offense.

He can reach outside-shaded defenders with ease as well as get to the 2nd-level to block linebackers or safety's. His skillset matches exactly what Kyle Shanahan needs in the zone running game. He also is extremely stout in pass protection and shows that he can handle speed and power on the interior.

In the four games I've watched, he rarely loses reps and more often then not he is executing his assignment correctly at a high level. One of his current teammates told that his football IQ is at another level, something that is clutch in the NFL when it comes to diagnosing defenses and more importantly, blitz pick up.

Dohnovan West would be a steal here but won't be surprised to see him go top 60 when his name is called on draft day.

R4: 131 - WR Christian Watson

Christian Watson has been an early fan favorite due to the WR's ties to current 49ers' franchise QB Trey Lance, however this isn't a homer pick just to appease the fans.

The value for Watson at pick 131 is not to be passed on and he is a must-grab right here. I anticipate Watson being at top 100 player when the process is over, if not already.

Watson uses his 6'5" frame to win over the top smaller DB's but he is also much more than a prototypical "big" WR. He has ample speed and suddenness for a player his size. This suddenness brings a different element to the table that makes him very difficult to defend and allows you to use him in a multitude of ways.

Watson was able to grab 7 Touchdowns and put up over 800 yards for NDSU without Trey Lance in 2021.

The Watson and Lance connection netted 732 yards & 6 Touchdowns back in 2019. A lot of fans would love to see these two reunite and see what they could do in red & gold. This would also be a low-key signal to the fanbase that management is committed to building and putting pieces around Trey Lance to help benefit his development.

(Via Colts) R5: 157 - HB James Cook

There is definitely a brother trend developing in the NFL. The 49ers could keep the trend alive by selecting James Cook, younger brother of Vikings RB Dalvin Cook.

I personally feel that getting a player that possess James Cook skillset at this value is a home run. I see a clear cut role for how to integrate him into the offense year 1. The 49ers under Kyle Shanahan this past season had a clear role carved out for the 3rd down passing down back which was reserved to JaMycal Hasty. I see this as an upgrade as Cook could become an immediate impact in that role. Cook is extremely effective as a receiver out of the backfield and would be perfect as a new "wide-back".

Cook has the desired toughness, vision, suddenness that suits a zone-style rushing attack. I see someone who understands how to setup his blocks to maximize his effectiveness. I see a very good athlete and feel him being here in the 5th round is a reflection on the RB position being devalued, however that benefits the 49ers to get such a talent in the 5th round to pair with Elijah Mitchell, Trey Sermon and whoever else the 49ers sign in FA.

Also see a key contributor on special teams year 1.

R5: 170 - DL Haskell Garrett

The 49ers could be in bad shape at IDL depth if they are unable to retain the services of DJ Jones as he could land elsewhere for a larger payday.

Haskell Garret is a guy that could potentially play a part time role in year one to help aid in depth. I see him as a developmental player that could become more than we see now. His baseline skillset is still solid as he is a twitched up IDL with good first step explosion and ability to shoot gaps. He is a fluid athlete for his size but I see him as a guy that could be better than what we are seeing. Has plus+ traits from an IDL pass rushing standpoint but needs polish overall to really bring everything together.

I think some time with Kris Kourcek and the ability to learn behind guys like Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw could be very beneficial to his growth. Would be a much needed depth piece headed into 2022.

R6: 187 - CB Alontae Taylor

Tennessee CB Alontae Taylor is going to be a developmental pick that you can stash and see if he can turn into a player.

I like the swag that he plays with, you can tell he has some dawg in him and I appreciate the effort he puts out. I do see someone who could be a better tackler as he tends to dip his shoulder and sometimes misses the target altogether. He does have a lot of highlight reel tackles but I see the misses as well. He doesn't seem afraid to get his nose dirty but could use some polish to ensure he gets the job done.

Taylor could carve out a role on special teams and follow in the footsteps of other late round CB's like fellow Tennessee Vol Emmanuel Moseley who could develop over time and become a legit player.

He's a larger CB and could struggle with quicker WR's in the NFL. In the small study I could see solid coverage plays and others where he would get beat. Hips looks a bit tight and can get caught in his back pedal, something I will be watching for at the combine.

I imagine the 49ers address any CB concerns in free agency and look to the draft for depth pieces like Taylor.

R7: 257 - TE Connor Heyward

Conner Heyward may be one of my early favorites in the entire draft class. When you look up "football player" they should have Heyward's photo next to the dictionary definition.

He is a really solid football player but it is extremely hard to project what position the 6'0 230 lbs Heyward will play in the NFL. At MSU, he played RB, FB, TE, QB, Kick Returner and was successful at all of them. He has strong ball skills as a WR, strong vision as a RB/KR, and has a solid arm when playing wildcat QB.

I look at Heyward as a "positionless player" that seemingly find success in Kyle Shanahan's scheme. He may be a guy that rides the practice squad bubble for awhile until he finds a defined role but I would love to take a chance on a guy like this. I sense the mentality the he just wants to play ball and doesn't care how he gets on the field, those are types of players that I like.

Snagging him this late would be a fun project for the 49ers.

R7: 258 - QB Jack Coan

I see some promise in Notre Dame's Jack Coan at QB. Now, that doesn't mean he becomes a starter or even makes an active roster in 2022 but I see some tools that will be able to translate to the NFL level.

Coan would be drafted here to be the 4th QB heading into training camp for the 49ers. With Trey Lance and Nate Sudfeld as the teams top two signal callers, I would imagine the team turns to free agency to add a veteran backup behind Trey Lance.

Coan shows ability to make accurate throws over the middle and outside the numbers. He shows he can make layered throws in-between defenders. I don't see the strongest arm but it's capable. He will have to throw with anticipation in order to overcome lack of zip on the ball. Could be a nice developmental piece to stash on the p-squad but likely would be a camp arm for the 49ers.

R7: 259 - WR Deven Thompkins

I am extremely intrigued by WR prospect Deven Thompkins out of Utah State. He put up massive production in 2021 with 102 rec 1,704 rec yards.

Although he is definitely on the smaller side at 5'8" 155 lbs, I see another "football player" meaning a guy who doesn't have the desired measurable but has the heart needed to play the game. He is almost identical in size to former 49ers WR Richie James and could see a very similar role for Thompkins with the team. 

I actually see Thompkins making a final roster if he lands in the correct situation.

I see plus+upside as a contributor on special teams in year 1 and could be a solid slot player. I think he has great ball skills and plays bigger than his frame suggest. He has shown that he can stretch the field with his speed and make acrobatic catches with regularity. I like this value here.

Grade Mock Draft 1.0!

Comment on IG/FB/YouTube