2014 NFL mock draft: Marcus Smith to San Francisco 49ers at No. 61

The biggest part of the legal adventure that has been the San Francisco 49ers’ offseason centers around star pass rusher Aldon Smith, whose future with the team is in doubt beyond the 2014 season. David Fucillo of Niners Nation is more up to date on Smith’s situation than most, and he’s picking a potential replacement pass rusher with his third and final pick in the 2014 SB Nation NFL Writers Mock Draft.

“The 49ers head into the 2014 NFL Draft with some question marks surrounding Aldon Smith. The all-world pass rusher faces three felony gun charges and a DUI charge. While he is likely to plea down, there are still concerns about his future with the team. Additionally, Ahmad Brooks turns 31 this year, and his cap hits are only increasing. He is signed through 2017, but if the 49ers are looking for a way to save money, they could go younger at the OLB position. Smith played defensive end this past year, but he has the perfect size for what the 49ers like to use at OLB.”

If San Francisco goes with a pass rusher, there are a few on the board to choose from. Smith, the choice here, is a lanky edge rusher with a good burst. My top-rated pass rusher available is Demarcus Lawrence of Boise State. The same exact size as Smith, Lawrence is a little more experienced at linebacker and just as fast. Carl Bradford of Arizona State could also get some consideration.