The San Francisco 49ers, owners of the seventh overall pick in this month's NFL draft, met with North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn earlier this week, *The Sacramento Bee* reported Friday.
NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock ranks Quinn as the sixth-best prospect and top-rated defensive end. Three of NFL.com's draft experts expect Quinn to go in the top 10.
Mayock said the former Tar Heel "has rare and elite skills" at his pro-day workout March 31, when he ran a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, had a 33-inch vertical leap and a 10-foot-6 broad jump to go with his 24 bench-press reps.
"To me, the bottom line is that what this kid does as well, or better, than anyone I've seen in the last couple of years is he's got an ability to get up the field, bend, dip and get to the quarterback," Mayock said.
Quinn carries some questions after missing the 2010 season because of an NCAA suspension for accepting illegal benefits. He emerged as a playmaker during his sophomore season in 2009, leading the Atlantic Coast Conference in tackles for a loss with 19 and finishing second in the conference with 11 sacks.
The 49ers, in the market for an elite pass rusher, also appear interested in Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller. Widely considered the best linebacker in the draft, Miller met with the team this past week, according to The Bee.