The 2012 NFL Draft rolls on and the San Francisco 49ers used their fifth round pick to address a need for outside linebacker depth. The team selected Notre Dame outside linebacker Darius Fleming with the 165th overall pick of the draft. Although the 49ers are rock solid with Ahmad Brooks, Aldon Smith and Parys Haralson at the OLB positions, the team did well in terms of injuries in 2011, so getting some depth at the position is a big plus.
I missed it on the war room cam, but according to folks in the comments, shortly before the pick, Trent Baalke hit the table at which he was sitting. It is possible the team was targeting OLB Terrell Manning, who went two picks before. We will never know for sure, but that is an interesting reaction and provides more insight than we ever get in press conferences.
A look at one scouting report indicates Fleming is a disciplined linebacker with great awareness and ability to make plays in open space. There are some question marks about his top pursuit speed, but he seems to be a guy who can make plays in the backfield.
The 49ers next pick No. 10 in the 6th round (180 overall), followed by No. 29 in the sixth (199 overall) and No. 30 in the seventh round (237 overall).