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San Francisco 49ers’ 5 Biggest Draft Needs Heading Into 2015 NFL Combine

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By @nick_villano

10 Draft Prospects You Need to Know About at 2015 NFL Combine

Paul Dawson TCU
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Over 300 prospects have been invited to the 2015 NFL Combine. Some players are well-known, while others are not. Here are 10 prospects you need to know more about. All 10 are expected to be drafted, with some having first and second-round grades.

10. Brandon Bridge (QB-South Alabama)

Brandon Bridge South Alabama
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

10. Brandon Bridge (QB-South Alabama)

Brandon Bridge South Alabama
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Bridge will be a developmental project for whichever team winds up with the 6-foot-5 dual-threat QB. The No. 7 QB on my board has a cannon for an arm and mobility to escape pressure. He only completed 52 percent of his passes this season, but his receivers had trouble catching the lasers he throws. Although he needs to learn to settle for a short completion rather than constantly throw the deep ball, Bridge will still be a Day 3 pick.

9. John Crockett (RB-North Dakota State)

John Crockett North Dakota State
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

9. John Crockett (RB-North Dakota State)

John Crockett North Dakota State
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Despite starting for just two seasons for the four-time defending FCS National Champions, John Crockett rushed for 4,309 yards. In the playoffs this past season, he averaged over 142 yards per game. He only gained eight yards on five carries in the East-West Shrine Game, but his team struggled to move the ball the entire game. He has a seventh-round grade but can elevate his stock with a solid performance at the Combine.

8. Ali Marpet (OL-Hobart)

Ali Marpet Hobart
Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

8. Ali Marpet (OL-Hobart)

Ali Marpet Hobart
Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

Division III star Ali Marpet generated a ton of buzz at the Senior Bowl last month. His performance basically guaranteed that he will be the first player ever drafted out of Hobart. The question now is where will he play? Depending on who you ask, he's a tackle, guard or center. As a tackle, he didn't allow a sack his entire senior season and helped the Statesmen gain over 200 yards per game on the ground.

7. Jaquiski Tartt (SS-Samford)

Jaquiski Tartt Samford
Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

7. Jaquiski Tartt (SS-Samford)

Jaquiski Tartt Samford
Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

Jaquiski Tartt is my highest-rated player from a school outside the FBS. He's the No. 3 strong safety on the board and has a fourth-round grade. His stock could be even higher if he didn't struggle against Auburn. To be fair, he was fighting through a leg sprain in that game, but it was a missed opportunity. While his coverage skills need work, he should excel in the drills at the Combine.

6. Jacoby Glenn (CB-Central Florida)

Jacoby Glenn UCF
Jeff Griffith-USA TODAY Sports

6. Jacoby Glenn (CB-Central Florida)

Jacoby Glenn UCF
Jeff Griffith-USA TODAY Sports

Only a redshirt sophomore, Jacoby Glenn decided to make the jump to the NFL. He currently has a third-round grade, but that could change once NFL teams evaluate him closely. He finished the 2014 season with seven interceptions, 11 pass breakups and 18 passes defended. He has the size and instincts needed to be a starting corner in the NFL. Adjusting to the speed of the game will be his biggest obstacle.

5. Tony Lippett (WR/CB-Michigan State)

Tony Lippett Michigan State
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

5. Tony Lippett (WR/CB-Michigan State)

Tony Lippett Michigan State
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Despite having several first-round prospects on the roster, Tony Lippett was the school's MVP in 2014. He gained 1,198 yards and scored 11 touchdowns as a senior. The 6-foot-3 WR also started at CB down the stretch for the Spartans. Although he's expected to begin his NFL career at WR, he may eventually wind up on defense. He has a Day 3 grade, but could be selected as early as the third round due to his versatility.

4. Quinten Rollins (CB-Miami Ohio)

Quinten Rollins Miami Ohio
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

4. Quinten Rollins (CB-Miami Ohio)

Quinten Rollins Miami Ohio
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Quinten Rollins improved his stock more than any other player in the nation this past season. That's because prior to 2014, Rollins was a basketball player. With one year of eligibility left, he decided to try out for the football team. Not only did he make the team, but he won the starting CB job and the MAC Defensive Player of the Year Award. His seven interceptions highlighted his elite ball skills. He has a Round 2 grade and is my No. 6 CB.

3. Paul Dawson (OLB-TCU)

Paul Dawson TCU
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

3. Paul Dawson (OLB-TCU)

Paul Dawson TCU
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

For anyone who watched the Peach Bowl, you already know about Paul Dawson. The TCU linebacker made plays all over the field in the bowl game -- much like he did all season. Dawson has actually led TCU in tackles each of the previous two seasons. If he competes as hard at the Combine as he did at TCU, Dawson should be one of the week's standouts. He does have some character concerns, but it's unlikely he falls out of the second round.

2. Maxx Williams (TE-Minnesota)

Maxx Williams Minnesota
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

2. Maxx Williams (TE-Minnesota)

Maxx Williams Minnesota
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

In a very weak TE class, many of the players at the position are fairly unknown. Maxx Williams is the top-rated player at his position and should be an early second-round pick. Without many options in the passing game, Williams caught twice as many passes and scored four times as many touchdowns as anyone else on the Golden Gophers. He's only a redshirt sophomore, but he's talented enough to contribute right away.

1. T.J. Clemmings (OT-Pittsburgh)

T.J. Clemmings Pittsburgh
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

1. T.J. Clemmings (OT-Pittsburgh)

T.J. Clemmings Pittsburgh
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

With only two years of experience at offensive tackle, T.J. Clemmings is a very raw prospect. He played right tackle for Pittsburgh but has the makings of a future franchise left tackle. He still needs to develop his technique, especially in the run game, but Clemmings is expected to be a top-20 pick. If he does begin his career at RT, he may struggle against the bull rush, but he'll need those reps before moving to the left side.

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