It's too late now but...

I can't help but wonder what would've happened had the 49ers drafted an offensive tackle instead of Rod Tidwell, er, Michael Crabtree with the 10th pick of the draft.  (Though to be fair, at least the fictional Tidwell was an established player who sought more money, and Eugene Parker is no Jerry Maguire; but I digress)   Of course, hindsight is 20/20 but I do think we got caught up in the hype and lost focus of our problem areas.  Lest we forget, the team gave up 55 sacks last season.   To solve this dilemma, we went after a washed up player in Marvel Smith (missed 15 games in the past two seasons and 29 games since 2003.)  and now we're in a real pickle because he retired.

Michael Other was still available at the 10th slot.  The Niners also could've moved up to grab Eugene Monroe or Andre Smith.  I do remember some debating the merits of going  after someone to shore up our defensive line as well. And then there were people who really wanted Crabtree.  Hell, I was a bit excited about him falling to us initially.  Still, you had to wonder how he would get  the ball if Shaun Hill didn't have time to get it to him.  Having watched the pre-season games, the offensive line looked mediocre and the defensive line didn't look very strong even against the lowly Raiders.  That last game against the Cowboys was especially troubling.  However, the past is the past and we can only make adjustments here in the present. 

As throughly discussed by fooch on the main page, we can stick with players  like Barry Sims and Alex Boone.  Conversely, we can bring in a top free agent.  A third option that wasn't discussed in the main article but in the comments section was that of a trade.  I believe this is the course we should take.  The question to me really becomes a matter of how much we want to give up.  One of those 2 shiny first round picks would get us someone really good.   I like Pro Bowler Jason Peters.  He's young (27) and very good.  It took the Eagles a first and fourth rounder to get him though so we'd probably also have to throw in that as well as something else.  Perhaps a three team deal where we trade Alex Smith and the picks away.  (The Eagles are already quite deep at quarterback)  If that is too rich for your blood, then at least send a second rounder and maybe Smith for Matt Light.  He's a bit older (31) but still very good.  While we're at it, perhaps we could also pick up a pass rusher. 

I'm not as sure where the problem lies with our pass rush.  I think Justin Smith is serviceable.  I'm content with the linebackers.  I think Issac Sopoaga and Aubrayo Franklin are to blame.  (Though I'm also not a fan of the 3-4)  The free agent list looks ugly for defensive tackle.  I looked on scout.com like fooch and seen players such as Dewayne "Who?" Robertson and Brain "Yawn" Young are still available.  Available defensive ends aren't very appealing either.  I do like Vonnie Holliday but he's well past his prime.  Would trading for say Aaron Kampman be too much to ask for?  Bottom line is that I feel that we need to make a couple key acquisitions in order to both give Hill some time in the pocket and put some pressure on opposing quarterbacks.   Otherwise, I fear it's gonna be one long season..