Mock drafts aren’t very accurate, especially in the middle of the first round.
But on Thursday night, the 49ers selected Oregon defensive lineman Arik Armstead, who had long been linked to the team by many NFL analysts and beat writers.
Plus, the 49ers got a bonus.
The 49ers had the 15th overall pick in the draft, but traded down with the Chargers (who had the 17th choice). The Chargers used the pick to select Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon. With the 17th pick, the 49ers selected Armstead – a player they could have had at 15.
But by moving down two spots, 49ers GM Trent Baalke not only got his man – an athletic, 6-foot-7, 292-pounder who also played two years of basketball at Oregon – but picked up an extra fourth-round choice this year (117th overall) from the Chargers and and a fifth-rounder in 2016.
The 49ers needed to address several positions in this draft, particularly wide receiver, defensive line, cornerback and inside linebacker.
The addition of Armstead, who can play defensive end in San Francisco’s 3-4 scheme, provides more talent in the mix with Darnell Dockett, a veteran free agent signed from the Cardinals, following the release of Ray McDonald and the possible retirement of Justin Smith.
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Not all scouts think highly of Armstead. Some question his limited production (in tackles and sacks) at Oregon. But Armstead is a player with size, quickness and athletic ability, and he could be a player who blossoms in the NFL with coaching.
He’ll join a defensive line with Dockett, Tank Carradine, Glenn Dorsey, Ian Williams, Quinton Dial, Kaleb Ramsey and Tony Jerod-Eddie.
In his career for the Ducks, Armstead had four sacks and 10 tackles for loss. In 2014 he was honorable mention all-Pac-12. He’s the first defensive lineman drafted by Baalke in the first round.
Barring a trade, the 49ers now wait until Friday in the second round for their next pick, the 46th overall.
