The San Francisco 49ers may be looking to add another quarterback in the 2016 NFL draft despite being able to keep hold Colin Kaepernick over a possible trade to the Denver Broncos.
Jared Dubin of CBS Sport has projected the 49ers to use their No. 7 pick on University of California quarterback Jared Goff in the site's latest mock draft.
Goff, one of the two quarterback prospects in this year's draft, would be a huge addition for San Francisco and could be an integral part of 49ers new coach Chip Kelly's offensive scheme. However, the 21-year-old's arrival in San Francisco could raise more concerns about Kaepernick's future with the 49ers.
Kaepernick has been linked to a potential trade deal that would send him to the Broncos amid reports about the 28-year-old's unhappiness in San Francisco. Kaepernick was demoted from his starting job last season, which gave way to the emergence of Blaine Gabbert as the 49ers' top QB in the latter half of the season.
But it seems Kaepernick is on track to remain with the 49ers heading into the 2016-2017 NFL season, although the Broncos are expected to make another run at luring the Nevada product, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Targeting Goff in this year's draft seems a good choice for the 49ers, especially with Kaepernicks' uncertain future with the club. However, according to NFL network analyst Bucky Brooks, the 49ers could forget looking at quarterback prospects and instead select a defensive lineman in Shaq Lawson, while Goff sliding to the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 8.
"The 49ers could bypass a quarterback in favor of the powerful edge rusher with exceptional hand skills," Brooks said, reports the San Jose Mercury News.
The 49ers ranked 29th in the league in sacks last season, with 28, while being placed fourth worst at stopping the run, giving up 126.2 yards per game.
According to Niner Noise writer Sequoia Sims, the Clemson defensive end would fit well with the 49ers and give the club a prospect who has a passionate love for the game.
"In Lawson, the 49ers would be getting a prospect with a nonstop motor, who plays with leverage, can set the edge in a 3-4 defensive scheme at outside linebacker and who combines a relentless, passionate love for the game," Sims wrote.