Today is the NFL Draft and I have a lot of optimism towards what the 49ers are capable of doing.
Without a general manager, the team will rely on director of player personnel Trent Baalke to help the team make the right decisions for the team. It will be interesting to see how the 49ers will do for the next three days.
There have been numerous mock drafts and different rumors, ideas and perspectives of whom the 49ers should or shouldn't take.
Well, I hope you have room for one more opinion.
As expected, the first priority for the team has to be for an offensive tackle. There are a good handful of tackles the 49ers could end up drafting in the first round with their first pick (at #13).
I like Russell Okung (Oklahoma State), Trent Williams (Oklahoma), Bryan Bulaga (Iowa), Anthony Davis (Rutgers) and Bruce Campbell (Maryland). Preferably, I would like to see the 49ers be fortunate enough to grab Okung or Williams. Chances of that very slim, so I would cross my fingers and hope Bulaga or Davis would be available. Both those two have a lot of potential in my opinion. Bulaga is a more finished product by Davis provides a lot of talent that can be built upon.
That is how I think the 49ers should approach their first pick. Their #17 pick will be an interseting one. Usually I would think that the best player available should be the choice for the 49ers, but this time I really believe the 49ers have to still address another need.
I am a fan of Florida cornerback Joe Haden and it would be nice if the 49ers can grab him with their second pick. However, the 49ers don't need to grab him if there are other options available. The cornerback crew in the draft is filled with some talented players. I actually have a lot of hope for Boise State's Kyle Wilson and Alabama's Kareem Jackson. Even Devin McCourty (Rutgers) is another cornerback that would be a good pick. These corners can be found in the second round and the 49ers shouldn't be so sold on drafting a cornerback with #17.
Secondary help is a need and if a safety like Earl Thomas (Texas) is available, the 49ers should seriously consider him. Taylor Mays (USC) might be available, but I am not too sold on him.
There have been speculation that the 49ers are interested in Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen. I am not sure if that is just some smoke screen, but Clausen has to be high on the 49ers' draft board. If the team isn't fully committed to Alex Smith, Clausen has to be taken.
Now, I am not saying that Clausen is the answer. But if he is the best player available, I would think the 49ers would make the move. However, it might be moot since I think he might get drafted by Seattle or Buffalo before the 49ers even get to their first pick.
The 49ers have a lot on the line with the NFL Draft-- especially in the first round. They might go for an inside linebacker like Rolando McClain (Alabama) to provide some support for Patrick Willis. A first round trade to move up or down might occur as well.
The 49ers are in a good position right now with their current slots. I wouldn't expect to much of a major surprise from the team tonight. But I won't rule out anything.
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Later, before the draft, I will put up a post in which I will live blog throughout the evening. I will post up thoughts, opinions on the moves being made at the draft. Also, once the 49ers make their selection, I will break down the draft pick with a scouting report and possibly some quotes with the scheduled conference calls.
Stay here for all the analysis and go to my Twitter (@SLam49ers) for up the minute updates throughout the three days of the draft.
Original Story:
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