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San Francisco 49ers: Some Solid Options For The Second Overall Pick

By Kevin Saito

Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for a photo during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for a photo during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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San Francisco 49ers
Oct 15, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) celebrates after picking up a fumble during the third quarter of a game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Jamal Adams (S – LSU)

The surgery and recovery period to Malik Hooker may cause LSU’s Jamal Adams to leapfrog him in the Draft. Though a very solid and talented player in his own right, he’s quite clearly second fiddle to Hooker.

However, taking Adams with the second overall pick, given their needs, wouldn’t be a terrible thing for San Francisco. Especially given his ability to get on the field right now.

At 6′, 214 pounds, he’s got good size, and with a 4.56 40 under his belt, he’s got decent speed. He’s strong, quick, and has plenty of athleticism to play centerfield and defend the deep ball. Scouts praise him for his awareness, instincts, and ability to make plays on the ball.

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He’s also very reliable in defending the run. Though a tough hitter, he is fundamentally sound and doesn’t miss a lot of tackles because he’s going for the highlight reel pop. But ballcarriers most definitely feel it when he hits them.

Adams has been compared very favorably to another LSU great, Tyrann Mathieu. He’s bigger and a touch faster, and has a very similar skill set to the Honey Badger – meaning, great ball instincts, awareness, aggressiveness bordering on psychotic, and a mean streak a mile wide.

Though Hooker is considered to be the best prospect in this year’s Draft class, Jamal Adams can provide a team with a very solid and dynamic safety for a very long time. Nobody would look askance at the 49ers if they chose to take Adams at number two.