I figured that with all the questions surrounding the draft yesterday, it was easier to roll out answers and try and at least allow for some clarity. We didn't answer a ton of questions, but there are some things we can be safe in knowing going into the season.

However, the grayer area comes when we start discussing the questions raised as a result of the draft. There are questions raised on both sides of the ball and I'll do my best to answer them for now. However, it's pretty clear the answers won't come until training camp at the very earliest.

1. What defense will this team be playing?

This draft leaves me wondering whether we'll see the 3-4, a 3-4/4-3 hybrid, a bit of the old 3-3-5, or some combination of everything.  The team did not address the supposed outside linebacker need (especially considering Larry Grant will be competing at the inside linebacker position along with special teams).  They've added Balmer to the mix and he appears like he could fit in as an end, a nose tackle, or a defensive tackle if they roll out the 4-3 on occasion.  Justin Smith can play end, but could get into that elephant role discussed previously.  I have no problem with a mix of defenses but it still leaves me curious.

2. What position will Kentwan Balmer play?

Depending on the defense used, he could be anywhere from a nose tackle to a defensive end in the 3-4 to a defensive tackle in the 4-3.  It didn't help that MM and Barrows mentioned him as both potentially filling Bryant Young's role to being the nose tackle and ESPN referred to him repeatedly as a nose tackle.  Any thoughts?  I'm not concerned because I think he could handily develop into any of those roles.  My issue with it deals more with the next question:

3. What of Ray McDonald?

McDonald has some work to do to get more playing time, but I was quite pleased with his development towards the end of last season.  Now, Isaac Sopoaga has been resigned to get time at nose tackle and defensive end.  If Kentwan Balmer plays mostly nose tackle, he'll be splitting time with Aubrayo Franklin meaning Sopoaga gets even more time at defensive end.  Justin Smith is clearly the man on one side.  Or maybe it turns into McDonald being in primarily on passing downs since he's more of a pass rush threat than Balmer.  The one plus to this is that you can mix and match bodies and keep guys fresh.  At the same time, I would imagine it would mess up the line's timing if you're constantly rotating bodies in and out.

4. How will the offensive line shuffle shake out?

While the offense might have issues, I don't see a whole lot of questions.  The primary one is how the drafting of Rachal and Wallace affects the rest of the offensive line.  Will the team try and get some versatility out of the draftees at different positions, or will they be there to only learn and compete at guard and center respectively?  Dave Baas is expected to miss a chunk of training camp, which definitely could help to speed along the development of Rachal.  I'm not expecting a big impact from Rachal right away, but it will be interesting to see how he handles the chance to compete for an immediate starting role.  As for Wallace, I'd expect him to get some playing time spelling Heitmann but I really don't expect to see him on the field much barring injury.  Let's hope that doesn't happen.  Of course maybe can shock us and win the job in training camp.

Feel free to throw out your own questions and answers.  I know there are plenty of them out there.

With their final pick of the draft, the 49ers select Larry Grant, OLB, THE Ohio State University.  The 49ers had a need for an outside linebacker that many expected to be filled by Quentin Groves.  Instead, the 49ers loaded up on both sides of the line and snagged Grant late.  From New Era Scouting:

Grant is a jack of all trades.  He can play all three linebacker positions and could be a very good special teams player.  He has blocked 15 kicks in his college career.  With his versatility and special teams contributions, he could stick on an NFL team and be a contributor.

From Scout's Inc:

Grant may never develop serviceable man-to-man cover skills but he can still bring a lot to a team. He's versatile enough to provide some depth at all three linebacker positions and he has the potential to develop into an excellent special teams' player.

So, the consensus early on seems to be that he's a potential special teams beast.  While it'd be great if he turned into a solid linebacker, a great special teamer in the 7th round is nothing to sneeze at.

With that last pick, the 49ers are done for the day and we get to start looking forward to minicamps, training camps, the preseason and the regular season.  I'll have a wrap up later today with my initial thoughts going forward.  There is certainly plenty to discuss.  It was not a glamorous draft for the 49ers, but they grabbed some guys who will make contributions.  In the past, they've gotten a guy or two that you just felt good about, whether it be Julian Peterson, Patrick Willis, Manny Lawson, Rashaun Woods (hope that didn't cause anybody to choke).  This is one draft where I honestly have no idea what to expect going forward.  Balmer and Rachal are talented guys but it will definitely take plenty more research to figure out what they'll bring to the table (and hopefully not take from the table).

I have to be honest.  While I've read about both Kentwan Balmer and Chilo Rachal, I have plenty to learn about them before safely being able to see what they bring to the table for the 49ers.  Later this week the folks from Conquest Chronicles, our USC blog, will have insight on Chilo Rachal.  Additionally, I hope to get some more info on Kentwan Balmer from the folks at Carolina March, our UNC blog.  In the meantime, Scout's Inc has been throwing up their thoughts on first and second round choices.

Kentwan Balmer

What he brings: There are concerns that Balmer is a one-year wonder, and he's a developmental prospect who needs to learn to play with better leverage. Still, he has good size and the frame to get even bigger. He's also athletic for his size, so if he bulks up and learns to play with better leverage, he should develop into an excellent nose tackle.
How he fits: We think this a great pick based on the 49ers' inability to stop the run. Balmer should strengthen the interior of the defense as a nose tackle and will be an upgrade over Aubrayo Franklin. Balmer has the quickest and most explosive hands in the draft. The key for him will be his ability to learn the proper technique while maintaining his pad level and learning to play in a 3-4 system. He can contribute immediately as a first- and second-down player, but doesn't have the ability to help as a pass-rusher.

Chilo Rachal

What he brings: The biggest knock on Rachal is his lack of athletic ability and has problems redirecting in pass protection. He struggles, at times, to reach blockers in the second level and athletically he has some limitations. However, he's quick off the ball, jars defenders with a strong punch and gets in position quickly. He also does a good job holding his ground against bull-rushers.
How he fits: It's obvious the 49ers feel they need to upgrade at guard with the loss of Larry Allen in the offseason. Rachal is a mauler who needs to be in a confined area due to his athletic limitations. However, he has the size and initial quickness to wall off and position while creating inside lanes. He should be able to come in and compete with David Baas at right guard.

Whether Balmer is lined up at nose tackle or as a defensive end, he seems like a prototypical big-bodied guy who will take up offensive lineman, freeing up space for the linebackers to make plays.  If he was drafted to be a pass-rusher we may have some issues early on, but if he's taken because he's just one damn big dude, he could fit in quickly.  Of course working alongside a guy like Justin Smith has to be a positive for a young guy like Balmer.

As for Rachal, Conquest Chronicles is high on the guy and doesn't think him leaving early will be the worst thing in the world for him.  For you Warriors fans out there, Kelenna Azebuike left Kentucky after his junior year because of family money issues.  After most of a season in the NBDL, he latched on with the Warriors and has been a big contributor.  It sounds like Rachal is further along than that and can make a contribution immediately.  Combined the retirement of Larry Allen with the Dave Baas injury and he'll certainly get a shot right off the bat.