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San Francisco 49ers: Grading the 2019 NFL Draft class

By Justin Fried

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Nick Bosa of Ohio State reacts after being chosen #2 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Nick Bosa of Ohio State reacts after being chosen #2 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers
PALO ALTO, CA – OCTOBER 27: Kaden Smith #82 of the Stanford Cardinal catches a pass and gets tackled by Peyton Pelluer #47 of the Washington State Cougars during the first half of their NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Palo Alto, California. San Francisco 49ers 2019 NFL Draft (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Round 5 (148th Overall) — Dre Greenlaw, LB, Arkansas

The 49ers made another questionable pick in the fifth round as they decided to select Arkansas linebacker Dre Greenlaw with the 148th overall pick.

A four-year starter at Arkansas, Greenlaw is an undersized, athletic linebacker who has experience playing well as a coverage linebacker. That said, his physical limitations could prevent him from becoming a defensive starter at any point in his career.

Greenlaw has difficulty shedding blocks and lacks the size and strength to be a three-down linebacker. It’s more likely that he serves a key role on special teams with the potential to be a sub-package linebacker in the future.

Not terrible value for a fifth-round pick, but also not the best option available either.

Final Grade: C

Round 6 (176th Overall) — Kaden Smith, TE, Stanford

With their sixth-round pick, the 49ers decided to stay local drafting Stanford tight end Kaden Smith.

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Unlike some of their other mid-round picks, this selection is actually pretty solid value for a player of Smith’s caliber. The Stanford product should slot in immediately as a depth tight end and challenge veteran Garrett Celek for the primary No. 2 role.

Smith is a big, strong tight end who was used a lot as a blocker while in college but also excels when used as a vertical passing threat. He has no trouble running routes up the seam and making grabs in traffic, something that gives him an advantage over Celek.

Either way, expect Smith to compete for a roster spot and likely find his way on to the field before long. He could be the ideal complement to George Kittle that they have been searching for.

Final Grade: B+