49ers Awarded Two 2015 Compensatory Draft Picks
Draft Prospects Linked to 49ers in Recent Mock Drafts
These top prospects in the 2015 NFL Draft have been connected to the San Francisco 49ers in recent mock drafts.
Jamie Newberg of Scout.com: "They could go in a number of different directions from pass rusher, to linebacker, to cornerback, offensive line or wide receiver. They added wide receiver Torrey Smith via free agency. Here, they add another wide out and the top player on the board in wide receiver Kevin White. There's still a need at this position and it gets bolstered in a big way with the additions of Smith and White."
Mel Kiper of ESPN: "Armstead to San Francisco would be a good balance of hitting an immediate need and the 49ers adding yet another player with high upside they can develop -- it's an area they've succeeded in consistently. The 49ers are staring at a situation where Ray McDonald is gone and Justin Smith is likely to follow -- and even if Smith continues to play it shouldn't be a ton of snaps. They do add Darnell Dockett, but he's 34. Armstead is big, powerful, athletic and raw, and while he won't be great right away because he's inconsistent and hasn't truly locked in a defined role, he's physically ready to help and should be able to provide a spark as a rotation player on the line."
Charley Casserly of NFL.com: "Goldman helps the 49ers rebuild their defensive line."
Brian Baldinger of NFL.com: "The 49ers lost Mike Iupati to Arizona, but can replace him with a plug-and-play."
Rob Rang of CBS Sports: "The 49ers aren't likely to become more aggressive on offense with defensive-minded head coach Jim Tomsula taking the reins. Peters comes with some off-field baggage as he was kicked off the team by Washington in November, but he has since made amends with his former coach and will be allowed to participate in the school's Pro Day on April 2. Physical, athletic and a ball-hawk, Peters is a top-20 talent."
Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated: "There is no better option to fill a starting role out of the gate than Waynes. Yes, that includes Marcus Peters. Waynes played both the boundary and field sides at Michigan State, so San Francisco could trust him anywhere.​"
Eddie Brown of U-T San Diego: "Torrey Smith is a nice addition... but Strong's ball skills are second to none in this class."
Patrick Willis and Chris Borland retiring has shifted the attention in San Francisco to inside linebacker, but replacing starting cornerback Chris Culliver is also a concern. GM Trent Baalke has been known to gamble on traits before and few athletes check off more boxes than Jones, a four-year starter with experience at corner and safety who is known for his work ethic and demonstrated remarkable athleticism in workouts." -Rob Rang of CBS Sports
"Edging towards the draft certain players tend to drop, and this time it's DT Danny Shelton. Not that the 49ers are complaining. Shelton goes a meaty 6-foot-2, 340 pounds and has the power to control the line of scrimmage, but also shows lateral quickness and balance to make plays on the move. Constantly requiring double teams and is yet still a pass-rush threat, Shelton is purpose-made for the 3-4, and is one of the best nose tackle prospects to come out in the last 5 years." -Draftek.com
"The 49ers lost two starting cornerbacks this offseason, as Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox have moved on to different teams. This has created a massive void at the cornerback position, which will need to be addressed early in the 2015 NFL Draft. Kevin Johnson made a big leap in this mock draft recently. Contacts we have in various front offices have advised us to move Johnson up, so don't be surprised if he goes in the top 20." - Walter Cherpinsky of WalterFootball
It's finally official. The San Francisco 49ers will have nine picks in the 2015 NFL Draft beginning April 30 in Chicago.
The team gained its final two selections on Monday, as the NFL awarded the 49ers fourth- and seventh-round compensatory picks to make up for the loss of their 2014 free agents.
The fourth-round draft choice will come 132nd overall, while the seventh-round selection will be 254th overall.
In total, 32 extra selections were awarded to 14 NFL teams at the owners' meetings in Phoenix.
By rule, a compensatory pick is awarded to a team "losing more or better compensatory free agents than it acquires in the previous year."
In 2013, the 49ers lost safety Donte Whitner (Cleveland), cornerback Tarell Brown (Oakland), running back Anthony Dixon (Buffalo), wide receiver Mario Manningham (New York Giants) and quarterback Colt McCoy (Washington) in free agency. In turn, the club added safety Antoine Bethea (Indianapolis) and cornerback Chris Cook (Minnesota).
According to the NFL: "Compensatory free agents are determined by a formula based on salary, playing time and postseason honors. The formula was developed by the NFL Management Council. Not every free agent lost or signed by a club is covered by this formula." For example, players who were released do not count as gains or losses.
It is also worth noting that compensatory picks cannot be traded.
Since 1994, the first year they were handed out, the 49ers have been awarded 25 compensatory picks. Selections in recent years include...
2014: OT Brandon Thomas (third round)
2013: RB Marcus Lattimore (fourth)
2010: WR Kyle Williams (sixth)
For the 2015 draft, the 49ers picks are as follows:
First round – No. 15 overall
Second round – No. 46 overall
Third round – No. 79 overall
4 Fourth round – No. 127 overall (from the Denver Broncos)
Fourth round – No. 132 overall (compensatory)
Fifth round – No. 151 overall
Sixth round – No. 189 overall
Seventh round – No. 246 overall (from the Indianapolis Colts)
Seventh round – No. 254 overall (compensatory)