Can Jackson follow Samuel as 49ers’ 2nd-round prize?

SANTA CLARA — For the sixth time in the past eight drafts, the 49ers’ top pick is a defensive lineman, this time summoning USC’s Drake Jackson at No. 61 overall in the second round.

Fittingly, it was Arik Armstead who announced Jackson’s selection — as a “linebacker” — at the draft in Las Vegas.

Jackson is the latest in a line of top-pick defensive linemen, preceded by Armstead (2015, No. 17 overall), DeForest Buckner (2016, No. 7), Solomon Thomas (2017, No. 3), Nick Bosa (2019, No. 2) and Javon Kinlaw (2020, No. 14).

In three seasons as a USC starter, Jackson (6foot-3, 273 pounds) totaled 12 1/2 sacks, 25 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and two interceptions.

Cowboys address pass rush with Mississippi’s Sam Williams

FRISCO, Texas — After filling a need on the offensive line with Tulsa tackle Tyler Smith with the 24th pick in the first round, the Dallas Cowboys turned their attention to shoring up the pass rush in the second round Friday night.

With 56th overall pick, the Cowboys selected took Mississippi linebacker/edge rusher Sam Williams.

Williams is an ideal 4-3 end who will combine with free-agent signee Dante Fowler to help make up for the loss of Randy Gregory in free agency.

Williams is a firstround talent who likely dropped to the second round because of character concerns.

At 6-foot-4, 261 pounds, Williams is extremely athletic for a pass-rusher, including his 4.46 time in the 40 and a 36-inch vertical leap. — Clarence E. Hill Jr., Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Patriots trade up for Baylor WR Thornton

The Patriots wanted to get faster this offseason.

On Friday night, they may have added the new fastest player on their roster.

The Pats drafted Baylor wide receiver Tyquan Thornton at 50th overall, after moving up in a trade with Kansas City that cost them a second-rounder at No. 54 and fifth-round pick at No. 158.

Thornton is a deep threat with good hands who can also return kicks.

He clocked a 4.28 in the 40-yard dash at the combine, one of the fastest times in the class, and posted some of the best marks in the broad and vertical jumps. Though he plays tougher, Thornton is rail thin at 6-2, 181 pounds. Last season, he caught 62 passes for 948 yards and 10 touchdowns.