With the 28th pick in the 6th round, acquired from Jacksonville, No. 197 overall. The Niners select DE Melvin Oliver… (the Niners traded the 213th, and 236th, which was originally acquired from Jacksonville for Winborn to move up to 197.)

Height: 6-3, Weight: 279, 40 Speed: 5.10
Position: Defensive End, College: Louisiana State

SUMMARY
Oliver was a frustrating player to grade because he would occasionally flash the ability to make plays, but most of the time he was not involved in the play. He has quick feet and the agility to defeat one-on-one blocks out in space. He can accelerate to full speed quickly when chasing in pursuit and has the playing speed to chase down ball carriers before they can get back to the line of scrimmage when he does not have to defeat a blocker to make the play. The trouble is that he lacks the quick burst and explosiveness off the ball to make an impact as a speed/edge rusher and lacks the power/strength to be an effective pass rusher when he slides inside to defensive tackle. Overall, Oliver is ideally suited to be tried as a strong-side defensive end because he has the strength to hold up as an end and the athleticism to avoid pass blocking offensive tackles out in space. The trouble is that he struggles to consistently get free from blocks in time to make plays. Oliver should not be drafted because of his inconsistent production and ‘Tweener’ status, but can be signed as a free agent because of his athleticism, size for a defensive end and his competitiveness.

STRONG POINTS
He is a good athlete with the quick feet and playing speed to chase down ball carriers on runs away between the offensive tackles. He flashes ability to beat one-on-one pass blocks with hand use and quick feet. He has good instincts, which combine with his athleticism to let him ‘Peel’ off rush to pick up the running back on short dump-off passes. He is a versatile defensive linemen who has experience lining up at end and sliding inside to defensive tackle on passing downs.

WEAKNESSES
Oliver is a ‘Tweener’ who has the size and strength that is ideal for a defensive end, but he lacks the quick burst and explosiveness off the ball to threaten the corner asa speed rusher. He lacks the size and playing strength to play defensive tackle and can be driven off the ball too easily. He gets pinned inside by side/seal blocks and driven down the line of scrimmage. He does not use his hands well vs. blockers and struggles to shed quick enough.