The Rest Of The West In The Draft: San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco had one of the best drafts in 2010. They held two first round picks and used both of them on offensive lineman. It's clear they remain pat on running the football and becoming a smash-mouth football team, but did they do enough to fix every hole on the roster? The Rams were covered on Tuesday.
Key Selections
Anthony Davis | OT | Rutgers
Drafting Davis will provide quarterback Alex Smith with another strong tackle for protection. Davis is young but the guidance of Mike Singletary will set him straight. He possesses nimble feet and quick hands and can be used at both right and left tackle. He's a mauler against the run and fits perfectly with what the 49ers are trying to do. If his character doesn't become a problem and he lives up to his high draft status, Davis shouldn't have a problem succeeding in the NFL.
Navarro Bowman | OLB | Penn State
I thought about Iupati as a key selection, but feel Bowman will be a bigger factor in San Francisco. The 49ers didn't have a primary pass rush specialist last season and Justin Smith isn't getting any younger. Bowman was an extremely good outside linebacker at Penn State and landing him in the third round was a steal. He's very fast and can develop into a threat coming off the outside.
Player to watch for: Taylor Mays | S | USC
It's boom or bust time for safety Taylor Mays. He was a highly discussed defender heading into the draft with a good possibility of landing in the first round. After slipping into the second round, Mays made it clear that he wasn't happy and it appears he'll use that as motivation. Watch for him to be used in different packages his first year to see if he lives up to his pre-draft hype.
Position Not Addressed: Defensive Back
With Walt Harris gone and Nate Clements getting up in age, cornerback was a position of need in which the 49ers didn't address until the seventh round. As most Cardinals fan already know, the free agent market for defensive backs is very thin and finding help will be tough. Tarell Brown and Shawntae Spencer are solid but they still don't have a shutdown corner.
Draft Theme: Sticking to Mike Singletary's style
Drafting two offensive lineman that excel in the running game was clearly Mike Singletary's doing. Their next three picks were defensive players and a bull-dozing running back. Clearly these picks fall along the same theme that Singletary has been preaching about since he took over as head coach for the 49ers.
Biggest Steal: Anthony Dixon | RB | Mississippi
When Anthony Dixon fell to the 49ers' lap in the sixth round, there was little hesitation to draft the Mississippi running back. Many scouts felt Dixon could land as early as the third round, so getting him three rounds later was a complete steal. He's a bruising running back that will help with short-yardage situations, but still has potential to become a starting running back.
Biggest Reach: Anthony Davis | OT | Rutgers
Although the 49ers only moved up two spots to select Davis in the first round, they gave up a fourth round selection in a relatively deep draft to do so. Most mocks didn't have Davis landing that high, but for whatever reason San Francisco felt the need to make a move a draft the 20-year old.
San Francisco 49ers Draft Picks(8)
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1
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11
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Anthony Davis
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OT
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Rutgers
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1
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17
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G
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Idaho
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|
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2
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49
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Taylor Mays
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FS
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Southern California
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3
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91
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LB
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Penn State
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|
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6
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173
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Anthony Dixon
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RB
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Mississippi State
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6
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182
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TE
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Pittsburgh
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|
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6
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206
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Kyle Williams
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WR
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Arizona State
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7
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224
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Phillip Adams
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DB
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South Carolina State
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Overview
The 49ers clearly had one of the best drafts in 2010 and addressed almost all of their needs. They revamped their offensive line while adding playmakers on defense. They also added depth to key positions. What are your thoughts on the 49ers draft and does this make them the NFC West favorite?(stupid question, I know)
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Comments
Iupati was a good pick
Davis and Mays are risky, but could be great. I was shocked that they went with 2 O-linemen instead of 1 Lineman and Earl Thomas. But I guess they really really liked Davis.
by CardsDefense on Apr 28, 2010 5:37 PM MDT via mobile reply actions
It’s clear they remain pat on running the football and becoming a smash-mouth football team, but did they do enough to fix every hole on the roster? The Rams were covered on Tuesday.
I think that this a huge misconception that the media has blown out of proportion. Singletary and Jimmy Raye have expressed that they would like to have a very balanced attack and adjust gameplans accordingly. Regardless if the 49ers were to run or pass heavy or light one way or another, the offensive line needed to be addressed. This is not a statement other than the line needed badly to be fixed. Alex Smith, Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan, Ginn Jr., Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, etc are ALL going to be factors in the pass game as well. Don’t believe everything the media is saying.
"I'm blessed..... Thanks, God bless" ...hey, it worked for Tim Tebow.
Also...
regarding Navorro Bowman… he was drafted basically to take over for Takeo Spikes when he dries out. Bowman will see action at the ILB position to help keep Spikes fresh. Our 5 OLB’s will more than likely be Lawson, LaBoy, Haralson, Brooks, and Briggs.
"I'm blessed..... Thanks, God bless" ...hey, it worked for Tim Tebow.
I doubt LaBoy will be a factor
He’ll be injured within the first 4-5 weeks
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
49ers had a great draft the only team in the west i would put over our picks
Possibly 4 starters not bad
The Devil Birds just got cha
by DaCards on Apr 28, 2010 7:57 PM MDT via mobile reply actions
Couldn't agree more DaCards.
I loved our draft, but I think the 9ers was better. No way we win the division next year if we get swept by them again.
What about the Seahawks draft plus their trades? I would say Seahawks had the best draft SF just behind them. Cards had a good draft but not as good as Seahawks and SF. With the new coaching change and all the additions Seahawks will be a much improved team – with all our losses and retirements I do not think Cards as good as last year. Replacing Warner is one giant hole to fill.
by lorenzothedog on Apr 29, 2010 9:24 AM MDT up reply actions
Seattle
Has a long way to go though. They still have some issues with their line, their secondary, and their pass rush. Also they have no true #1 back and no proven QB. I would take Leinart over their entire QB lineup. I know Hasselbeck is battle tested and proven, but the guy is one injury away from forced retirement.
Seattle will win maybe 8 games. Tops.
They are who we thought they were!
by Jesse Reynolds on Apr 29, 2010 3:01 PM MDT up reply actions
Agree on that one
Hass won’t last much longer
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
Easy to say Seattle and SF had better drafts, they each had 2 first round picks!
And on top of that, all of their first round picks were higher than our one first round pick. Seattle and SF would have to have been completely incompetent to NOT have better drafts than we did.
But when you take into account how much less we had to work with in the draft, I think we did at least equally well.
Don't
like the Davis pick. He is inconsistent and will still be lazy on the field. Felt it wasn’t worth the gamble for the 49ers to move up for him. Iupati is slow and will get beat in pass protection. Mays may have something to prove now but he still sucked in coverage skills and it probably won’t translate well to the NFL. At least he hits hard. The rest of the guys are for depth. I don’t think they did that great with getting questionable linemen, lack of skills with Mays, and ignored getting a playmaker at the CB spot. They will at least be the NFC West rival to beat this year.
They gave up a lot of sacks last year
And looked to improve their line with… guys who are known for run blocking and who struggle in pass protection. Their run game is going to be improved (obviously), but their passing game didn’t improve that much. I know they have better weapons for Smith to use, Crabtree, Morgan, Davis, etc but I still see teams crowding the box and daring them to throw.
They are who we thought they were!
My Offseason MVP Award goes to the Rams
For doing the least to improve their team for next year. I see two wins there.
Life's too short. Be a fan. Orlando Magic, Arizona Cardinals,Tampa Bay Rays and of course "the U"! What a winning combo.
by hevchv on Apr 30, 2010 9:29 AM MDT via mobile reply actions
haha
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
























