San Francisco 49ers Seven Round Mock Draft
ROUND 1 (15th OVERALL) – DT DANNY SHELTON (WASHINGTON)
Sep 13, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman
Danny Shelton(55) is blocked by the Illinois Fighting Illini during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Shelton is built like Haloti Ngata and Vince Wilfork. Listed at 6’2″ 339 lbs, Shelton is certainly larger than his measurements suggest, but looks are deceiving. During his senior year at the University of Washington, Shelton accrued 89 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks. These are kind of numbers an outside linebacker would generally put up, but Shelton plays all over the field.
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With his size, he is able to shift lineman around and bull-rush to the quarterback. The Huskies had one of the best defensive lines in the country in 2014, and they truly showed their talent behind one of their leaders in Shelton. While it cannot be measured, the motor for Shelton is undeniable. A guy of his size should tire out, but he is making plays from sideline to sideline, down the middle, and almost into the secondary.
In 2014, the 49ers lacked consistency from their interior defensive lineman, as the injury bug hit Glenn Dorsey and Ian Williams. As a result, the inexperience at defensive tackle showed, and remains a gaping hole to this day. Uncertainty of the play of Williams and Dorsey after injury, and the potential retirement of Justin Smith are positions that the team must address.
Darnell Dockett was brought in during the offseason, but health and age are concerns for him as well. And he can shift into a defensive end if need be. The 49ers need a face on the line for the future, and Shelton will plug the middle and draw double teams, which will allow Aldon Smith, Aaron Lynch, and Ahmad Brooks to eat up sacks.
Shelton’s draft range is not a narrow margin, as he can go anywhere within the first 20 picks. If he is available at 15, the 49ers must capitalize and boost the defensive line.
Next: Round 2, 46th Overall