8 picks
#13, 17car, 49, 79, 113, 182, 206comp, 224
Offensive Tackle
All you need to know is that last year before going with wide receiver Michael Crabtree the 49ers considered taking tackle Michael Oher. At the moment it is remains to be seen if they made the right move because Oher still has left tackle potential. However, if they can lock up a solid tackle with one of their picks in the teens and Crabtree builds on a promising if abbreviated rookie season then it looks genius. This past year Snydyer was inadequate on the right side after the now departed Pashos (Browns) fractured his shoulder. On the left side Staley's midseason injury shut him down. Fortunately veteran Barry Sims was around to pick up the slack, and he will return for another season with the team hoping he fills the "swing" position backing up both sides. For that to happen, a reliable right tackle needs to be added in the draft. If said rookie has left tackle potential all the better because some feel Staley would benefit from switching sides.
Cornerback
Cue the music from Top Gun because they have the need for speed. I tend to remember a lot of the criticisms I get when constructing mock drafts. Two years ago I was accused of "ageism" after calling for someone to be drafted who could take the place of Walt Harris. He missed the 2009 season with a torn ACL and his future with the team is unknown because he is 35 years old. Age has really hit them hard. Clements is 30 and has seen his performance decline considerably. Bly turns 33 in May. After one decent season with the team he is still unsigned as a free agent. Hudson (Panthers) was always one of the last to make the final 53, but is now officially out. The offensive line and scoring offense is so bad this need gets overlooked. Adding Karl Paymah (Vikings) at least gives them another established option, but they need a true #1. If Florida's Joe Haden somehow made it to them at #13 it would be an easy card to turn in.
Offensive Guard
There is a reason Idaho's Mike Iupati has been linked to them in mock drafts for so long, even if the first pick is an offensive tackle. The 49ers have serious issues along the offensive line. David Baas lasted the full 16 games, starting all of them for the first time in his career. Unfortunately, the extended work only provided an opportunity for his inconsistencies to rear their ugly head. He was given a tender as a restricted free agent and signed it. Chilo Rachal is holding down the starting spot on the right side, but someone to press Baas is a priority. Both of them were taken in the second round, and there will be solid options on the board at #49 if they keep up the pattern.
Running Back
I kind of like Frank Gore's spunk when he talks about the team adding another player to the backfield. He doesn't want them to because he feels he can stay on the field multiple downs and work up a lather as the game wears on. Obviously he wants to hold his job as the primary rusher, and it is easy to see why. His carries have dropped in successive seasons since a smashing 2006 season with 312 attempts for 1,695 yards plus another 61 receptions for 485 yards. If you look at his total touches though, for the past two seasons he has had basically 20 per game (16.75 rushes, 3.39 catches) which I consider perfect for your #1. Glen Coffee was drafted in the third round last year to be his backup, and he is well suited for that role. He is not, however, a suitable change or pace type complement. The 49ers are woeful on offense and would love to have the proverbial "home run" threat capable of running for a touchdown any given play. Their draft position puts them in a difficult position because C.J. Spiller (Clemson) could be gone before they pick in the first round, and Jahvid Best (California) is very likely gone by the time their second round selection rolls around. If they are able to shake up their draft position with a trade it makes sense to land one of these speedsters with return value mixed in.
Inside Linebacker
On the inside Wilhelm took on an increased role as a backup following Ulbrich's retirement. McKillop was drafted in the fifth round last year to help fill that void as well, and a bigger opening is coming because Spikes will turn 34 before the season is over. Depending on who you believe, Alabama's Rolando McClain might be on the board at #13 overall. If he is, a short term sacrifice elsewhere might have to be made because pairing him with Willis would be mind boggling - at least on paper. Barring that, someone to compete for a future starting spot will be sought. Inside linebackers have a tendency to fall down the board and possibly as late as #113 they might get their hands on Florida's Brandon Spikes. Again, depending on which analyst you believe.
Rush Linebacker
Manny Lawson did a little bit to remind everyone why he was taken in the first round of the 2006 draft. After finishing his first three seasons with a total of 5 1/2 sacks over 32 games he logged 6 1/2 in 2009. Of course, now he is in a contract year. If he plays better will another team overpay to sign him away? These are the things a team needs to think about before they actually happen. Ahmad Brooks did a nice job of reviving his career by joining the 49ers and was rewarded with a two-year deal. It is worth wondering if this season was a mirage though considering his history. Again, this is playing devil's advocate. Overall, the 49ers would like a better pass rush from their linebackers and while this is not a pressing need it will be a consideration if someone they feel can be special crosses their path.
Safety
There is a whole lot of mediocrity here. Mark Roman, who is 33, might be pushed out with a youth movement after seeing significant time in the secondary as an extra defensive back last year. Dashon Goldson is entering a contract year. Michael Lewis has concussion issues, and this is a serious matter these days in the NFL as it should be. Reggie Smith, who was considered a corner/safety 'tweener coming out of Oklahoma in 2008, has not shown much in two seasons. They took a seventh round flier Curtis Taylor last year. Add it all up, and the conclusion is needing someone to take charge in their secondary. It might be surprising to see them take Texas standout Earl Thomas assuming he is there at #13 overall, but I would not rule it out. This defense needs a playmaker on the back end.
Defensive Line
Slapping the franchise tag on nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin was smart business and pushed this area down the list of draft needs, but finding an adequate backup at some point during the draft will be in the back of their mind. They are still waiting on 2008 first round pick Kentwan Balmer to develop at end where they also have late seventh rounder Ricky Jean Francois from last year. If the 49ers draft an end it will be because primary backups Evans and McDonald are in the final year of their contract and McDonald has been prone to injury.
Quarterback
I am addressing this because it has been suggested San Francisco might pull the trigger on Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen if he slides down to them at #13 overall. They know what they want this season at the position, and already have it. Alex Smith is the unquestioned starter. David Carr returns to the Bay Area as the backup, even if in his mind he can still start. Nate Davis, a late fifth round pick last year, is learning as the third stringer. Making a strong move at quarterback would only make sense if the team was not confident in Smith starting, and after trading Shaun Hill (Lions) this does not appear to be the case. I'm not trying to make a case either way for Smith, but in 11 games he averaged 213.6 yards passing. Not much right? It was more than fellow young quarterbacks Ryan, Henne and Cassel not to mention Palmer. I know #20 leaves a lot to be desired, but considering an awful offensive line and not much in terms of weapons other than tight end Vernon Davis. Standing pat seems likely.
Wide Receiver
They were fortunate to land Michael Crabtree at #10 and the production he had even after the holdout proves it. How bad is their receiving corps? Crabtree still led the group in yardage (625) and had 2 of the 7 touchdowns by wide receivers. The only sure thing about this offense is tight end Vernon Davis after his breakout season, so yes if Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant slides down the board he will be considered. Josh Morgan hopes to continue his development in his third season, but he averaged only 10.1 yards per reception which is low for a starter. Isaac Bruce retired, which was more of a loss in terms of veteran leadership and mentoring. Arnaz Battle (Steelers) is also out after having shown glimmers of production in 2006-2007 and fading badly since. The final straw was his awful work returning punts, which is where the trade for Ginn (Dolphins) comes in. Jason Hill enters his contract year and his future is still to be decided. Brandon Jones was almost invisible in his first season with the team coming over from Tennessee unless you include also stinking at returning punts. The Ginn trade certainly lessens the need and addresses the special teams problem of finishing dead last in punt return yardage, a killer in losses to Houston and Seattle.
