NFL San Francisco 49ers

2015 NFL Draft: San Francisco 49ers Pre-Combine Seven-Round Mock

2015 NFL Draft: San Francisco 49ers Pre-Combine Seven-Round Mock

Jim Tomsula speaks during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. The San Francisco 49ers announced Jim Tomsula as their new head coach to replace Jim Harbaugh.
Justin Sullivan - Getty Images

The San Francisco 49ers are heading into the 2015 NFL Draft season with a huge question mark hanging over their new head coach Jim Tomsula. Under close supervision by GM Trent Baalke, the former in-house defensive line coach will prepare his first draft board outlining the 49ers' needs and requirements. Here is the pre-cmbine mock draft for the San Francisco 49ers.

Round 1, Pick No. 15: Kevin White, WR

The 49ers have been in desperate need of a No. 1 receiver, and Kevin White from West Virginia fits the bill. White is a prototypical NFL receiver the 49ers, he's tall (6 foot-3), aggressive, consistent and above all extremely fast (4.5 sec 40 time). While he may not be the fastest receiver in the draft, his great route running ability and ease at creating separation make him a dangerous weapon for Colin Kaepernick.

Round 2, Pick No. 14: Arik Armstead, DE

Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Arik Armstead (9) grabs South Dakota Coyotes quarterback Kevin Earl (14) at Autzen Stadium.
Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2, Pick No. 14: Arik Armstead, DE

Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Arik Armstead (9) grabs South Dakota Coyotes quarterback Kevin Earl (14) at Autzen Stadium.
Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Sacramento local Arik Armstead is a 6-foot-7, 296-pound 3-4 defensive end who has the athletic ability of a basketball player. Armstead's fundamentals are a little raw from spending too much of his time on the court instead of a football field, but he has committed himself to this year's draft nonetheless. Drafting Armstead will be bit of gamble since Justin Smith will likely retire, but his potential maybe too great to pass up.

Round 3, Pick No. 15: Jeff Heuerman, TE

Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Jeff Heuerman (5) is tackled by Indiana Hoosiers safety Antonio Allen (40) at Ohio Stadium.
Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3, Pick No. 15: Jeff Heuerman, TE

Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Jeff Heuerman (5) is tackled by Indiana Hoosiers safety Antonio Allen (40) at Ohio Stadium.
Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

With the subpar performances of Vernon Davis and Vance McDonald being a huge disappointment in 2014, the 49ers must commit a high draft pick in selecting a tight end. Jeff Heuerman is a 6-foot-5, 255-pound tight end who is a mismatch nightmare for opposing defenders. Used primarily for blocking, Ohio State did not utilize his full abilities. If San Francisco can unlock Heuerman's potential, he can be a sure-handed receiving threat.

Round 4, Pick from Denver: Marcus Peters, CB

The 49ers have two of their top CBs hitting free agency this year and due to salary cap limitations, they can only retain one. Marcus Peters from UW is a fourth-round prospect with first-round talent. The corner had some off-field issues and was not allowed to finish his final season with the Huskies. 49ers coaches pride themselves on reforming troubled players. If they can work their magic on Peters, he'll be a steal in the fourth round.

Round 5, Pick No. 15: Sean Mannion, QB

 Oregon State Beavers quarterback Sean Mannion (4) prepares to throw in the first quarter against the San Diego State Aztecs at Reser Stadium.
Susan Ragan-USA TODAY Sports

Round 5, Pick No. 15: Sean Mannion, QB

 Oregon State Beavers quarterback Sean Mannion (4) prepares to throw in the first quarter against the San Diego State Aztecs at Reser Stadium.
Susan Ragan-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco has been missing a competent backup behind quarterback Colin Kaepernick since Alex Smith was traded to Kansas City. San Francisco would feel comfortable having Oregon State's Sean Mannion in reserve. While Mannion is projected to be selected in the fourth round, his inability to get into rhythm last year may decrease his draft rating to the fifth round. Mannion threw for 3,164 yards with a 62.3 completion percentage in 2014.

Round 6, Compensatory Pick – David Johnson, RB

Running back Carlos Hyde is the only signed, healthy running back who is not coming off an injury this year for the 49ers. If San Francisco cannot contract Frank Gore for 2015, drafting David Johnson from Northern Iowa can bring stability to the unsettled HB position. Johnson is a reliable runner who ran for over 1,000 yards each season with the Panthers starting from 2012.

Round 7, Pick from Indianapolis - Damiere Byrd, WR

In 2014, many thought the 49ers would select Brandon Cooks in the first round, but the Saints beat them to the punch. In this year's draft, San Francisco has another chance at landing a speed demon. Standing at 5-foot-9, 170 pounds, Byrd possess the height and speed (4.39 40 time) of Cooks, but never had Cooks' production in college. Despite his lack of experience, Byrd's raw talent and ability will more than make up for this shortcoming.

James Forsythe is an NFL contributor at www.RantSports.com. You can Follow him on Twitter @9erJim , “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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