49ers Definitely have Upside

Going into the draft I felt the 49ers greatest needs were QB, Pass Rusher, and CB. Thought it was only practical to address up to two of those needs, would have been very fortunate to address all three. Also a theme I kept reiterating is they need to take their shot at a pass rusher now with the #7 pick, can find a #1 CB with a late 1st round pick in any draft but sack artists are usually the targets of Top 10 picks. Finally this draft wasn’t very good so not to get my hopes up.

Aldon Smith – initially I was shocked because he was never mentioned as a 49ers target. Looked at him briefly and no outside move stood out plus his stats weren’t that impressive last season. Looking back he’s a better pick than Robert Quinn. Despite all the praise of Quinn’s explosiveness I never saw it, I was worried he might not pan out. With Aldon Smith I see power, speed and some technique. In other words everything you’d expect from a top flight pass rusher. He’s a pup but he has all the tools to be great. CBS Sportsline has a pre-draft analysis YouTube video on Aldon Smith, Randy Cross has some very interesting comments pertaining to what a nightmare Aldon’s arm length is going to be for offensive linemen, he’s a physical mismatch for everyone in the league.

Colin Kaepernick – He’s is one of the three QBs I thought could be something on the NFL (Locker and Mallet being the others). He’s a lot like Harbaugh used to be a QB, studies hard, competes hard but has a better physical skill set than Harbaugh. He’s never going to look pretty but I bet he’ll be an effective QB. He’ll know the offense and assignments inside and out, he get out of jams with his feet and make smart decisions.

Curtis Culliver – he’s a height, weight, speed guy but I’m not praising this pick. Realistically the 49ers weren’t getting a #1 or #2 CB at this point of the draft but a guy who could possibly lock down the nickel spot, and it was a need. Not sure if Culliver fits the mold. Gamble big than it’s either win big or lose big … oh well it’s not a good draft so gambling and losing at this point is a justifiable strategy … at least he has speed if the 49ers have time.

Kendall Hunter – 49ers finally got their COP back. It’s a COP back, most these guys are made by their offensive scheme, coordinator and QB … if those are good so will the COP back. Decent pick, obvious secondary need.

Daniel Kilgore and Mike Person – Another secondary need was interior linemen to put in the queue to develop. The last 49ers crop was a waste. I’m on board with both these picks. I am familiar with Montana St., that school along with Montana are like the Wisconsin and Iowa for Div IAA football. Any interior player coming from those programs should be taken seriously.

Ronald Johnson – not gonna pretend to know anything about him. Everyone always drafts a receiver. The 49ers are still searching for slot guy and speed guy and Johnson is one or the other. Based on the 49ers feed the 49ers really wanted the slot WR out of Hawaii and were pissed when he came off the board before their 4th round pick. Oh well you lose some. At least the 49ers can hope to get more from Kyle Williams and Ginn.

Colin Jones – another speed measurable guy from TCU. TCU wasn’t winning games by accident, their defense has been very good and probably bet they have underrated talent on that defense. At worst he’s a special teams guy and 49ers took a step back last season. His description fits the pick.

Bruce Miller – this is the pick I’m not happy about. There are the major roster needs and minor roster needs and I’d say FB is in-between. The 49ers need a legitimate FB to challenge Norris, not another Brit Miller type project. Really, quit screwing around with these guys until you have a solid option on the roster … you know cause someone has to be good enough to start! 49ers better bring in some good veterans at FB to compete. All three guys featured on Hard Knocks with the Jets were better than Norris last season. Disappointed the 49ers haven’t taken this position more seriously.

Curtis Holcomb – CB like WR gets drafted by everyone late almost every season. 49ers nailed the Phillip Adams pick last year so I don’t mind them taking another swing at this pitch again. Lets see what the kid can do. BTW, expecting Adams to lock down the nickel spot and maybe even challenge Spencer for the starting role … I love this kid.

My one other critique which everyone is right to jump on is the 49ers drafted way to many projects. I felt it was the scout’s scouts draft, insider edition only. It’s fine to take on projects but the entire draft class should not be projects. I’m just asking next time around show a little balance. Less upside guys who already fit the position coming out of college are fine … put less strain on the coaching resources. Hopefully after 2011 it’s lesson learned. At least it was a weak draft class, they didn’t piss away much talent pulling hard in one direction.

Expect improvement, but we are planning for 4-5 years down the road, not 2011.

We have talent across the board, and should be a few pieces away from doing some damage in the NFC.

While they got the best player in the draft, they apparently forgot about their QB situation. They are going to sign a veteran (Bulger) and let him play in front of two young QB’s. They did this last year and it was terrible. The pick should have been Gabbert. Fitz will be leaving, and so will PP when his contract is up.

The Ryan Williams pick was just plain stupid. While I like Williams, and think he can be a good player, why the hell did the Cards draft him? Makes no sense. They have Wells, Hightower and Stevens-Howlings.

Drafting a TE/FB in the 3rd? Really? Then they end up drafting another FB.

I love the Acho pick though, THAT was the best pick. And I love they took Carter from UCLA!!