2013 NFL Draft: Anquan Boldin trade's draft implications

Earlier this week, Percy Harvin was traded to the Seahawks. They're getting a playmaker, and a player who will make their team better. But they may have overpaid. A first round pick, a seventh round pick, a mid round selection next season. On top of that Harvin score a six year, $67 million contract.

Like any good fighter does, the 49ers threw a good counter punch to offset any momentum that was gained by the Seahawks Harvin acquistion. Anquan Boldin to the Niners? Surprising, but I'll take it. Especially when the price is a 6th round pick. Well played Baalke. Talk about buying low. This has low risk, high reward written all over it.

Statistic: Last Season Harvin had an average of 10.9 yards per reception, Boldin 14.2

I like the trade. It brings in a veteran presence. It brings in a veteran who blocks well and hustles every play. And it increases the 49ers depth at wide receiver. The team has a lot of options at receiver right now alongside Boldin:

• Michael Crabtree
• Mario Manningham
• Kyle Williams
• A.J. Jenkins
• Ricardo Dockette
• Chad Hall
• Joe Hastings

The 49ers have decent depth behind Crabtree and Boldin. With the addition of Anquan, receiver is no longer a round one or two need. It wouldn't make sense with other needs that are much more pressing (DL, S, CB, OLB). Before the trade it wouldn't have shocked me to see the 49ers go after the likes of Tavon Austin, Justin Hunter, or Robert Woods. Now, I highly doubt a receiver is selected with any of the 49ers first three picks. Look for the 49ers to go defense in the first two rounds. The only exceptions would be possibly tight end or center (If Jonathan Goodwin is cut).

Boldin is only signed through 2013. He could be a long term solution, but we have to assume he's a one year rental. If that is the case, the 49ers will have to replace him after the season. In round 3 and later, there still will be some good options at receiver left.

Options in round 3 and later:

Aaron Dobson, Marshall: Dobson would be an early third round selection, he won't make it out of the round without being selected. He had a good week at the Senior Bowl, but did not run a forty at the combine. The 6'3" Dobson's pro day is tomorrow, March 13th. I like Dobson, and he could become a dangerous NFL player.

Ryan Swope, Texas A&M: Was a fixture in an offense that produced a Heisman Trophy winning quarterback. He had his best game of the season with 11 receptions in the Aggie's victory against eventual National Champion Alabama. Swope had a 4.34 forty at the combine, a time many didn't expect. An interesting mid round option.

Cobi Hamilton, Arkansas: 6'3", Hamilton is tall enough and just fast enough to stretch the field. He had a very productive season, hauling in 90 receptions for 1,335 yards.

Aaron Mellette, Elon: Mellette is the only other tall receiver option worth potentially grabbing. He might not be a familiar name, but Mellette did just fine Senior Bowl week and showed he can compete with bigger schools. When you have 98 receptions and 18 touchdowns, it doesn't mater what level you're at, you must be doing something right.

Chris Harper, Kansas State: Adding Harper would make the 49ers the best blocking team at receiver in the NFL. Harper looks a lot similar to Michael Crabtree in a lot of ways. Harper is a crisp route runner that is dangerous with the ball in his hands. He's very fluid with his routes and doesn't have to stop to catch the ball, he looked very good in the gauntlet at the combine.

Corey Fuller, Virginia Tech: Fuller averaged 19 yards per reception this season. He has good size at 6'2", and could be a sleeper.