2015 NFL Draft: San Francisco 49ers Select DT Arik Armstead

The San Francisco 49ers traded back from No. 15 to No. 17 in the draft, acquiring a 4th round pick and a 5th round pick from the San Diego Chargers to select Arik Armstead out of Oregon.

Position: Defensive End

Measurables: 6’7”, 292 lbs, 33” arm length, 10 ½” hands

Analysis:

Armstead missed two games due to an ankle injury in 2014, but he was an emerging force in 13 starts with 16 quarterback pressures, 2.5 sacks, and 4.5 tackles for a loss. While not as decorated with awards as some of his peers in this draft, Armstead’s improvement from 2013 to 2014 and dual-sport athleticism (basketball) makes him one of the most intriguing upside prospects on the defensive side of the draft board.

Possessing a huge frame that’s elite even by NFL standards, Armstead is a quick-twitch athlete who combines explosiveness with good fundamentals which allow to create and maintain leverage on the edge. Able to power off blocks with deceptive quickness, Armstead is a raw physical specimen who could be the #1 boom/bust defender in the first round.

Highlight Video:

[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKnBUX-SBNE[/embed]