The 49ers just finished their draft with three picks at the end of Round 7.
First, they took Oklahoma tight end Brayden Willis with pick No. 247. Next, they took Michigan wide receiver Ronnie Bell with pick No. 253. And finally, the 49ers took Purdue linebacker Jalen Graham with pick No. 255.
Willis is an H-back who's a good route runner and a dangerous weapon after the catch -- think Jordan Reed, who played for the 49ers in 2020. Willis is a better blocker than Reed was, though. Reed is the second tight end the 49ers drafted this year after Cameron Latu at the end of Round 3. Clearly, the 49ers felt their lack of depth at tight end was a primary reason for their loss in the NFC Championship Game to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Bell is a slot receiver who can line up outside if needed and return punts and kicks as well -- think a much tougher version of Dante Pettis. Both are extremely quick route runners, but Bell embraces blocking and catching passes over the middle, unlike Pettis. The 49ers drafted Bell because both Ray-Ray McCloud and Jauan Jennings will be free agents next year.
Graham is 6'2", 220 pound linebacker who could begin his career on the 49ers practice squad as he develops into a tall, rangy middle linebacker -- think Fred Warner, who never had played middle linebacker before the 49ers drafted him. Graham is an intriguing project for a team that knows how to draft and develop linebackers.
Now it's time for the 49ers to sign their undrafted free agents. Stay tuned for the list of those players.
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