I posted an update to our 2011 Second Round NFL Mock Draft database and as with the first round mock, we're seeing at least a little bit of clarity in where mock's are focusing in for second round picks. The main focus this week is on quarterbacks and outside linebackers, with each appearing in six mock drafts. The QBs include Christian Ponder (3 selections), Andy Dalton (2), and Colin Kaepernick (1).
Whatever the case, folks do generally agree that the 49ers will draft a cornerback in either round one or round two. The second round mocks have focused in at times on Texas CB Aaron Williams. Considering free agency is unlikely to start before the draft, that only makes sense at this point. The 49ers need at least one new cornerback, if not more, and I just don't see it being worth the risk to wait and hope a later corner pans out.
On the other hand, the quarterback position is such a crap-shoot in this year's draft that the team could grab one at any point and it would not be a surprise. I suppose a first round quarterback might surprise, but there are enough people who like Blaine Gabbert that a first round QB would not even be a surprise at this point. This is a kind of bizarre draft because we seem to have a fairly basic idea of who will be drafted early on, but which team will select which player is incredibly fluid. There's no clear-cut number one at this point, and until we know what Carolina is going to do, it's all guesswork at this point. This isn't the first such year like this, but it's still interesting to observe the process unfold this year.
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| Position | # |
| Quarterback | 6 |
| Outside Linebacker |
6 |
| Cornerback | 4 |
| Defensive Tackle | 3 |
| Defensive End | 1 |
| Center | 1 |
| Inside Linebacker | 1 |