With The First Pick
Fansided

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final evaluations before the Scouting Combine

By Maxwell Ogden

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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. Linebacker. Virginia Tech Hokies. Tremaine Edmunds. 9. player. 42

In my previous mock draft, we assumed the coin flip at the Scouting Combine would give the Oakland Raiders the No. 9 overall selection. This time around, we give the benefit of the doubt to the San Francisco 49ers—which, again, doesn’t change the pick.

The 49ers should cross their fingers that Quenton Nelson will still be on the board here, but since he isn’t, the pick becomes Tremaine Edmunds.

Edmunds is generally regarded as the linebacker with the highest ceiling in this draft class. He’s an athletic thumper of a player who excels at both stuffing the run and rushing the quarterback. He’s even displayed potential in coverage, albeit as a work in progress.

Over the course of the past two seasons, Edmunds recorded 202 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, and 10.0 sacks in 26 games played.

According to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, an anonymous NFC scout praised Edmunds by saying: “I don’t think there has ever been a linebacker that has had his size and speed.” Whether or not ever is an accurate word to use, it’s fair praise.

Edmunds has the type of speed, size, strength, and versatility that every coach would covet at linebacker. San Francisco knows as well as anyone how important linebacker play is.

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