The fine folks at 49ers.com have posted transcripts for the 49ers first two picks of the 2011 NFL Draft. While the conference calls with Aldon Smith and Colin Kaepernick did not reveal a ton of information, they're still worth a look. Also, when you get a chance, Kaepernick actually came over from Turlock and conducted a press conference at 49ers headquarters. You can head over to the 49ers website to listen to audio of the press conference.
Aldon Smith conducted his conference call yesterday and discussed his time visiting with the team and not expecting to be selected by the team:
"My visit was really good. I met with Jim Leavitt, the linebackers coach. I met with coach Harbaugh, the defensive coordinator [Vic Fangio], I met with everybody. I met with the special teams coach [Brad Seely]. We all went for dinner actually. But after I left that visit I definitely didn't know I was going to be picked at number seven or that they really had that much interest, but I enjoyed the trip and it's going to be amazing to be in San Francisco."
And of course, Smith was asked about the 49ers defense and his work as a pass rusher:
On what he knows about the 49ers defense and what he was able to pick up during his visit:
"I learned a lot. [DT] Justin Smith plays there, [LB] Patrick Willis plays there and I know a lot about, I learned a lot when I was there. When I was there we actually watched a little bit of film. We didn't watch too much film of the 49ers, we watched some of my film."On how well he can hold the edge compared to his pass rushing, and whether it is a challenge for him:
"I wouldn't say it's a major challenge and I think I won't have a problem holding the edge. They didn't run that much in the Big 12, but when they did, I was able to stop the run."
If you have a few minutes, you can also check out his introductory press conference earlier today.
Colin Kaepernick conducted his conference call earlier today shortly after the 49ers traded up to make him the 35th pick of the NFL Draft. Based on his early reaction, he seems to be incredibly excited to be going to the 49ers. Maybe this makes up for passing on Aaron Rodgers, a noted 49ers fan? OK, we don't know that yet, but it's still amusing to consider:
On the impression he got when he had a workout with Harbaugh in Reno at Nevada's pro day:
"I was very excited about it. He was one coach that was very hands-on. He was very energetic with everything that he was doing. He's the type of coach that gets you just excited to play the game."
On being drafted by a relatively local NFL team:
"That's amazing. That just makes it that much easier for my family and friends to come see me. I know everybody in Reno was hoping I went to the 49ers as well. To me this is a perfect pick."
And of course, he was asked all about his throwing motion and the offense that would make him most comfortable. Arguably the most interesting comment was the fact that Jim Harbaugh told him he thought his throwing motion looked good. I know some folks have been really worked up over that motion, so if Harbaugh does think it can work at the NFL level, maybe it's worth holding off a beat for now.
On whether he considers himself to be a project quarterback:
"Not at all. But when it comes down to it, it's going to be how comfortable coach Harbaugh is with me on the field and how well he thinks I'm performing, so I'm just going to do everything I can to compete and be the best I can be."
On his throwing motion:
"I think it's a little bit more abbreviated, but at the same time I haven't had a coach tell me they have a problem with it. Coach Harbaugh was actually the first coach to tell me that it looked good. I think he was worried about whether I get the ball out quickly or not, and when he told me that, I was very excited about it."
On whether a lot of coaches told him his throwing motion didn't look good:
"No, I actually hadn't had anybody talk to me about it. So, that's something you kind of just hope for the best, and when you get to a team if you have to correct something, you do everything you can to make it perfect."
On whether coach Harbaugh will mess with his throwing motion or leave it:
"That's a good question. I'm going to have to find out when I talk with him. That's really going to be up to him and what he thinks is going to be best for me."
On how often he watched Stanford play last season:
"I actually watched them a few times because I know Andrew Luck, their quarterback. So, I have a little bit of an inside scoop on coach Harbaugh and the type of coach he was. I was very excited when my name got called by the 49ers."
On the offensive system and whether that will accentuate some of his positives:
"Definitely, there are a lot of things they do that are very good. When you watch the way Stanford played and the way their quarterback was utilized, watching them I got very excited. I'm happy to get the opportunity to play in that offense."