<strong>Frank Gore has been very good this year, and is stronger than ever, but has again missed time. Glen Coffee, Gore’s backup, is not confident in getting to the second level. The 49ers have struggled to convert in short yardage and 8 man front scenerios. I think that the 49ers would like to draft another running back, a running back with lower body strength. We’re more likely to watch them draft a back in the middle rounds, because there are too many needs to deal with early on, as has been nit picked. Just FYI,

Allen Bradford, 4th year junior at USC. Missed majority of ’’07 and ’08 seasons due to hip injuries, but is having his best year this season, and has relativley few carries as a result. Looks like LenDale White on film, but is healthier than LenDale and has an extra gear that LenDale did not have. Might return for 5th year, however, he is an interesting player
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZk8bv_Pizw

Jonathon Dwyer, junior at Georgia Tech. From what I’ve watched of him, strong build and deceptive speed. Could go high in draft, but could slip depending on 40 yard time, combine; much like Shonn Greene last year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBy-kfoYIHw

Charles Scottsenior at LSU. Does not have top line speed(~4.60?), but he does have some burst and the capability to bull his way to the linebackers. Good for 3-4 yards every down. Production is down as a senior, and could cause him to slip to middle rounds of draft.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROrIY31e7yE

*Stafon Johnson, senior at USC. I don’t know what his status is, but before he unfortunately dropped a 220 some pound bench bar on his throat (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/09/usc-stafon-johnson-weightlifting-accident.html) , he was the trojans most dependable running back in short yardage situations.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDDWx-2P0R0

Offensive line might be the position most in need of a gutting, on a team that needs much refurbishing. If the 49ers were to find themselves in the enviable position of drafting perhaps the drafts top offensive player again outside of the top 7, they should take Russell Okung. If not, I would have no qualms with taking the next best available OT at a reasonable spot (15-23) with pick 1b; and/or in the second round.

I do think that there are a handful of skill players that are worth taking over good prospects like Trent Williams, Brian Bulaga and Ciron Black with 1a; I might eat my words if Bruce Campbell of Maryland makes himself draft eligible. Eric Berry, Earl Thomas, Joe Haden, Ndamukong Suh, and Gerald McCoy come to mind. And, I have made it known that I do think that Sam Bradford will be a good NFL QB, but more on that later. Even Taylor Mays, whose pass coverage is not the absolute wreck one foreign observer might believe it to be, still deserves my interest. Anyone who can run a sub 4.4 at 235 lbs, jump 40 inches and put up 225lbs 30+ times is going to turn heads; and intimidate offensive players.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26rLxHZpiKQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LRc-6cN1Ck

The team is going to need another cornerback, particularly one who can play good run coverage. Since Nate Clements has been hurt, opponents have been targeting the the corners with end arounds, screens, sweeps, etc. Joe Haden of Florida and Syd’Quan Thompson of Cal are two players who, despite their heigth, have been standout tacklers; though Haden is the faster of the two. I think SQT is about a 4.5 (maybe 4.45) guy, so maybe the 2nd or third round is likely.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzLHL7Kz1ck

If the front office is going to use a draft selection on a QB, they need to do so knowing that he is ‘the man.’ The staff would sees Shaun Hill as a backup, and, IMO, Alex Smith can be a backup in this league, and good one at that. They used a 5th round pick on Nate Davis, and there is no telling how that will turn out; they will not start Davis for the sake of development.

Just for fun, a couple of players that have stood out this college season,

Damien Williams, 4th year junior at USC. To me, he is a lot like Wes Chamberlin used to be for the Chargers, when they had Dan Fouts. Faster than he looks, stronger than he looks, and knows how to sell a defensive back like Jerry Rice used to. I remember watching Mitch Mustain HS highlights a few years ago, and asking myself, “who is this reciever?”I don’t think that the 49ers would take a reciever early in the draft, but if they surprise me, it will be a pleasant surprise.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xbrgvxl—o8

Colt McCoy, senior QB at Texas. And, as a result of this, Jordon Shipley as well. Neither of them are physical marvels, and, in fact, you find reasons to try and not like them, but by the end of the game, you come away thoroughly impressed.

Javier Arenas, senior CB at Alabama. Strong player with good speed; has been a big part of Alabama’s success and can return kicks! Who doesn’t like that?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzROZ77kw3c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUR4nLYlQtM

some people are talking how Nate Clements might not get an extension, some people want him to get one. i think i’m ok with it given the price is right.

i think we have learned that without him our run D has suffered, without him our pass coverage has suffered also.

depending on how we plan on addressing this i think we should have a corner high on our list maybe 3rd latest or our eye on a FA, given that we are not going to extend his contract.

unless we get berry, people say he can play corner. and i would be ok with that.

Flood him with questions such as,

Brian Bulaga, Trent Williams, Charles Brown and Ciron Black. In what order do you rate them?

Do the 49ers draft Joe Haden if he is availible?

Anything else?

does anyone think that trading our second first round to a team like, say, the browns or lions could be possible or beneficial to us?

1. Browns (1-10) – Jimmy Clausen, QB
2. Bucs (1-10) – Ndamakong Suh, DT
3. Rams (1-10) – Jake Locker, QB
4. Lions (2-9) – Russel Okung, OT
5. Redskins (3-8) – Gerald McCoy, DT
6. Chiefs (3-8) – Eric Berry, SS
7. Raiders (3-8) – Taylor Mays, FS

8. 49ers from Panthers (4-7) – Joe Haden, CB

 Wow, this is a really high pick. Bruce Campbell has durability concerns and is more of a left tackle. Brian Buluga really fits our needs in terms of a right tackle and should still be around later. We can get a dynamite Corner or pass rusher here. This draft has a lot of depth at corner, so I think we take a pass rusher. However, there are no 3-4 OLB here worth this pick. Joe Haden it is then. but don’t be surprised if we trade this pick down to somone looking for a LT or sam bradford. I don’t think we will get a QB because what we have is servicable, and we have too many other needs.

9. Broncos from Bears (4-7) – Derick Morgan, DE
10. Seahawks (4-7) – Trent Williams, OT
11. Bills (4-7) – Sam Bradford, QB
12. Dolphins (5-6) – Terrence Cody, NT (we don’t take him because we franchised Aubrayo Franklin)
13. Jets (5-6) – Damian Williams, WR
14. 49ers (5-6) – Brian Buluga, OT

Now we address the single biggest problem on our offense. Buluga is a monster in both protection and run blocking.

15. Texans (5-6) – Earl Thomas, FS
16. Titans (5-6) – Dez Bryant, WR
17. Jaguars (6-5) – Jerry Hughes, OLB
18. Giants (6-5) – Rolando McClain, ILB
19. Steelers (6-5) – Bruce Campbell, OT
20. Falcons (6-5) – Trevard Lindley, CB
21. Ravens (6-5) – Brandon LaFell, WR
22. Seahawks from Denver (7-4) – CJ Spiller, RB
23. Eagles (7-4) – Greg Hardy, DE
24. Packers (7-4) – Charles Brown, OT
25. Cardinals (7-4) – Anthony Davis, OT
26. Patriots (7-3) – Cameron Hayward, DE
27. Chargers (8-3) – Golden Tate, WR
28. Cowboys (8-3) – Ras-I-Dowling
29. Bengals (8-3)- Jahvid Best, RB
30. Vikings (10-1) – Everson Griffeth, DE
31. Saints (10-0) – Sean Weatherspoon, OLB
32. Colts (11-0) – Jonathan Dwyer, RB