Revisiting the 49ers 2013 Draft

The 2013 49ers Draft class was mighty impressive on paper. Because of already solid depth and developing group of young core players, the front office was able to use the 2013 draft to stock pile future talent that slid down the draft board due to injury. We're probably still a year or two away from really understanding how good (or bad?) this draft class will be but a year later, it's still rather impressive on paper.

Check out my review of the 2011 and 2012 draft.

Note: Players that were released/traded will not be graded.

Round 1 - 18th overall: S Eric Reid, LSU

2014 Grade: A-

The 49ers swapped their first round pick with Dallas and added the third round draft choice acquired in a 2012 draft-day trade with the Carolina Panthers to move up to the 18^th spot and select Reid. All Reid did in his rookie year 77 tackles and four interceptions while earning a bid to the Pro Bowl. He also recovered two fumbles and defended 11 passes.

Reid quickly made 49ers fans forget about the departed Dashon Goldson with big hits and better ball skills. The only reason this isn't an A+ is because of Reid's concussions. Big hits are great but not if they cost you the rest of the game or worse. He'll get better at this over time.

Round 2 - 40th overall: DE Tank Carradine, Florida State

2014 Grade: Incomplete

Carradine, one of the aforementioned luxury picks, missed the entire 2013 campaign recovering from a torn ACL which ultimately kept him from being drafted in the first round. Carradine was an edge rusher at Florida State but was brought in to be the heir-apparent to Justin Smith - also a former edge rusher.

Carradine had a rather common procedure to remove scar tissue from his surgically repaired knee last month. While common, there is cause for concern as the build-up of scar tissue could become a chronic problem.

Round 2 - 55th overall: TE Vance McDonald

2014 Grade: C-

Many thought the 9ers may have reached with this pick but I was a fan. As we saw at times last season, McDonald has the athletic ability to provide mismatch nightmares for defenses. He rarely cashed in on those opportunities hauling in only eight passes for 119 yards and no touchdowns. He's also struggled in blocking but hey, so did Vernon Davis his first couple of years in the league.

I still think McDonald will pan out nicely after a full year in the system and look for him to have a bigger role next season.

Round 3 - 88th overall: OLB Corey Lemonier, Auburn

2014 Grade: B-

Had Lemonier stayed at Auburn one more year we'd likely be talking about him as a first round pick. He showed flashes of that talent in 2013 despite playing limited snaps and tallying only 15 tackles and one sack. One stat that doesn't get recorded is disruption. Lemonier was just that when coming off the edge with solid power and speed.

Despite the low statistical output, it was clear when Lemonier was on the field he was well worth the third round price tag.

Round 4 - 128th overall: WR Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech

2014 Grade: Incomplete

Despite playing in six games as a rookie, I find assigning Patton a grade with such limited game experience is unfair. Especially when you consider it was a broken foot that led to him missing time, not a lack of talent. Patton has the skill set to make a difference on this team if he can stay healthy.

To make matters worse for him, the 49ers are expected to use an early draft pick on a receiver which could cut into his time even when healthy. Oh and it may also help if the 49ers ran a little more 3-WR sets...but we all know that's not likely.

Round 4 - 131th overall: RB Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina

2014 Grade: Incomplete

Probably the most popular fourth round pick in years, Lattimore expects to be fully healthy come training camp. I don't ever recall being this excited to see what a second-year fourth round pick can do when he hits the field. Let's just hope he can stay healthy.

Round 5 - 157th overall: DL Quinton Dial, Alabama

2014 Grade: Incomplete

Despite seeing action in only three games last season, Dial (the second Quinton drafted by the 49ers in 2013) earned the respect of Justin Smith when he finally got his chance. Smith said Dial has a "nastiness to him" after he saw his first action in week eight against the Titans.

Round 6 - 180th overall: LB Nick Moody, Florida State

2014 Grade: Incomplete

Moody was on the active roster week one and figured to play a key role on the 49ers special teams. A broken hand in the first game against the Packers led to Moody being placed on injured reserve until he was activated week 12 and returned to his role on special teams.

I look for Moody to make a big impact covering kicks in 2014.

Round 7 - 237th overall: QB BJ Daniels, South Florida

2014 Grade: N/A

Round 7 - 246th overall: OT Carter Bykowski, Iowa State

2014 Grade: N/A

Round 7 - 252nd overall: CB Marcus Cooper, Rutgers

2014 Grade: N/A Note: Cooper flourished when given the opportunity in Kansas City. The 49ers were hoping to stash him on the practice squad after releasing him last September in favor of keeping Nnamdi Asomugha. The Chiefs ruined that plan when they claimed Cooper off waivers. Ooops.

Overall Draft Grade: Incomplete

Of course, with so many for the 2013 draft class seeing limited time if any on the field it's impossible to peg this draft one way or the other. Of the guys that did see the field, even in a limited basis, the future certainly looks bright.