By: Joe Lami

2nd Round (46th Overall Selection) Jaquiski Tartt, Safety, Samford

The 49ers started the second day of the NFL Draft picking 46th overall in the second round.  With the pick they selected safety Jaquiski Tartt from Samford.  Once again the Niners are looking to bolster up their defense after major setbacks during the offseason, Tartt coming from a smaller school is no slouch.  He was named to the 2013 and 2014 AP All-American Teams in the FCS division.

Tartt ran a 4.47 at his pro day and is a player that will show skill and strength in Santa Clara.  He led Samford in tackles in 2012 with 94.  He also six career interceptions, two of which he returned to the house for scores,  he is more known for his play on the run and can really bring the hammer and attack the ball carrier.

The best part about Tartt is he has the size at 6’1’’ 221lbs to convert into a linebacker, and has that playing style, especially against the run.  He will be a good hybrid for a team that can choose where they want to put him.  He does have history with San Francisco, as he played behind 49ers’ safety Jimmy Ward.

Once again, he is a coachable player that won’t make an immediate impact on the 49ers and might need some help on the coverage side of things.

Draft Grade:B-

3rd Round (79th Overall Selection) Eli Harold, Defensive End, Virginia

The rebuild continues for San Francisco in the third round, as they take defensive end, Eli Harold in the third round with the 79th overall selection.  Harold, out of Virginia, shows tremendous speed off of the block and can become a great pass rusher for the red and gold. He’s had 15.5 sacks in the last two seasons, with seven coming last year.

The down side is his size, as he stands as 6’3” 247lbs, which is on the smaller, lankier side at the position, thus making him more vulnerable to power, which he will definitely see in the NFL.  However, if he is able to use his speed to his advantage, he will be amazing in San Francisco. ESPN’s Todd McShay had him rated early in the second round, making him an absolute steal at 79th.

He feels a need for the 49ers, while having an extremely high ceiling. Once again, the Niners have another player that they need to develop,  but the future looks bright for Harold in Santa Clara.

Draft Grade: A-