One of the more amusing stories to come out of the 49ers 2008 NFL Draft (aside from pepper sprayed draft picks, because who doesn't enjoy pepper spray stories) would be the fact that Reggie Smith was woken up by 49ers scout Todd Brunner on Sunday as the 49ers 3rd round draft pick.  I think it's refreshing that the young man was busy getting sleep, rather than on the edge of his seat hoping to be drafted early on Day 2.

While discussions have centered on the Day 1 picks, Reggie Smith is an interesting pick for a variety of reasons.  While it's true that Walt Harris is growing a little long in the tooth, I think the Smith pick was clearly a best available player pick.  There were some quality talents that could fill holes in the 49ers, but the 49ers stuck to their best available draft board.  The biggest question mark about Smith is whether he'll settle in as a cornerback or a safety in the NFL.  Mark Roman is the current starting free safety and Dashon Goldson seems to be a guy who could be groomed into the future at that position.  The addition of Smith should afford the 49ers some youthful depth.  Since Smith will require some time to adjust to the NFL in terms of defense, it's probably a good fit.  He can learn from Harris and Nate Clements, two very solid corners.

I'm hoping to get a more specific scouting report from an Oklahoma blogger, but for now I've done some poking around.  He seems like a hard-hitter.  The boys at New Era Scouting refer to him as more agile than fast and in regards to his instincts and recognition:

Shaky at times in man coverage, but is very good in zone. Reads and reacts well. Comes up to the ball and makes plays. Sees the run well and doesn't bite on play action. Has a natural feel for situations and the game. Very instinctive.

he has been referred to as a better option in the Cover 2, but considering he's fresh out of school and so malleable, I'm sure we can do good things with him.  One question that requires greater football knowledge than I have is whether a guy who would make a good cover 2 corner would fit in better as a safety, or does one have no bearing on the other?

For the purposes of now though, I'm a little more interested in his special teams abilities.  He's not a blazing speedster but according to New Era Scouting, "Is a long strider. Uses his body and strength to make up for lack of elite speed."  That would remind me of more of a distance runner type guy, meaning if he could hit a hole on a kick or punt return, he could be off to the races.  Obviously Allen Rossum is going to get the first crack at returning.  However, considering he's turning 33 this season, I can't imagine he's long for this world as a return man.  I'd fully expect Smith to get a crack at returning in the preseason.  While Maurice Hicks was solid in the return game, I'd love to see a young guy like Reggie Smith step up and take control of that job.

After 2 days and give picks, the San Francisco 49ers draft is complete and the time for irrational and rational analysis is upon us.  Right off the bat, I'll say this is a very tough draft to grade.  The general consensus was the 49ers had starting needs on the offensive line, the defensive line and at outside linebacker, with additional depth needs at wide receiver and in the secondary.  The prognisticators (yours truly included) felt Quentin Groves would be taken if he was there in the first or second round.  Offensive tackle seemed a sure bet to be addressed.  Many felt (or maybe it was just wanted) wide receiver would be addressed relatively early.  And the actual outcome?  No offensive tackles were taken, a short not so fast wide receiver with some issues was taken in the sixth round and they addressed OLB in the seventh round with a guy who is more likely to be a special teams start than an impact outside linebacker.

I will not say I'm disappointed or think it was a bad draft.  Aside from the usual cliches about waiting 3 years to fully evaluate a draft, I think there are some good things to come out of this, depending on how you view the players taken.  If you view this as a lot of reaches, you're going to be disappointed until they prove it on the field.  I can see how the team appeared to reach when other quality talents were still around.  I think my opinion is more of disappointment in who the 49ers could have taken, rather that who they actual took. 

While plenty of new questions arise, we've at least gotten some answers.  I'll deal with questions raised later, but for now I just want to look at questions answered.  And feel free to add any I miss.

1. The 49ers are happy with their receivers.  Yes they added Josh Morgan, but we all know how 6th rounders usually work out.  I'd say right I'm happier with Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson and Arnaz Battle as the 1-2-3 than last year with DJack, Battle and Ashley Lelie.  While it's not the greatest show on turf, I think there are sufficient weapons on the field.
2. Joe Staley and Jonas Jennings are your tackles next season.  After going guard with Rachal, I was kind of hoping the 49ers would grab OT Anthony Collins in the 4th round, but it was not to be.  I suppose they could work Rachal over to tackle, but I don't see that happening.
3. McNolan has tethered themselves to Smith/Hill (with a little O'Sullivan thrown in for good measure).  They could bring in an undrafted free agent, but I think it's safe to say the QB competition is officially set for this summerinside linebacker spot
4. Reggie Smith will be returning kicks and/or punts.  Maurice Hicks was quite solid on special teams, but the 49ers have not had the game-breaking kick/punt returning in ages.  It'd be pretty sweet to see Reggie Smith develop that aspect of the 49ers special teams. (Just corrected on Rossum.  I still think Smith will get a chance to make an impact in the return game.)
5. Eric Heitmann would seem to be a goner after this season.  Heitmann really struggled to bounce back from his broken leg at the end of 2006.  Who knows if Cody Wallace is the answer, but he'll definitely get every chance to prove it.  Heitmann had very solid stretches in his time with the 49ers, but it is quickly approaching the time to move on.

I thought the 49ers would take a DB at some point and they decided to grab one right away on day 2 with Reggie Smith from Oklahoma.  ESPN listed him as a cornerback, but he appears to be much more versatile and can go out there as a safety as well.  While he's his own guy, this pick reminds me a little of Dashon Goldson last year.  Goldson is a DB who can play both corner and safety.  The upside to these kinds of picks is the ability to create some versatility with your defenders and use them in different packages.

The boys at New Era Scouting had Reggie Smith #2 on their safety list, which I think was due in part to his versatility:

Smith is a very athletic and talented defensive back.  His stock is aided by his ability to play both cornerback and safety,  but there are also concerns about his long-term position.

Over at ESPN, Scout's Inc said:

What he brings: Smith doesn't have great speed and can be beaten deep when left on an island. But he's a versatile playmaker who can line up at corner or safety and contribute to the return game. He's also strong in run support and capable of limiting a receiver's production after the catch.

How he fits: He is a versatile player and can give them a boost on special teams. With the age of Walt Harris and the lack of development of Shawntae Spencer, Smith can come in and contribute in 49ers' sub defensive packages.