San Francisco 49ers Seven Round Mock Draft

ROUND 5 (151st OVERALL) – ILB HAYES PULLARD (USC)

Nov 1, 2014; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars running back

(24) is tackled by Southern California Trojans linebacker

(10) during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Pullard was never a star in college, but he was hard nosed and effective for a defense highlighted by Leonard Williams. As a red shirt senior at USC, Pullard was a leader on the Trojans defense. Using his athleticism and smarts, Pullard racked up 95 tackles. He is patient and doesn’t over penetrate going for the tackle. He also displays the instincts to drop back in coverage and defend passes as well.

Inside linebacker may not be his best position, as he has difficulties shedding blocks. But if he needs to be moved to the outside, it currently lacks depth as Dan Skuta has moved on to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Scouts rave about Pullard’s leadership qualities, and since Patrick Willis and Chris Borland retired, NaVorro Bowman can use a new counterpart.

Nick Moody and Michael Wilhoite did a decent job of filling in for Bowman in 2014, but they are not long term answers.

If Pullard were to come to San Francisco, a familiar face would already be there — newly hired inside linebacker coach, Clancy Pendergast. At USC in 2013, Pendergast served as the Trojans defensive coordinator and coached up Pullard.

Eric Kendricks, Denzel Perryman, and Stephone Anthony are the top inside linebackers in the draft, but the 49ers could find themselves a quality inside linebacker between round four and six.

Next: Round 6, 190th Overall