2011 San Francisco 49ers NFL Draft Needs
Following a disappointing 6-10 season, the San Francisco 49ers are on the clock with the seventh overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Let’s take a look at their biggest needs and how those needs might be addressed in the draft.
1. Quarterback: Had the 49ers received better quarterback play, they may have ran away with the NFC West division in 2010. Quarterback is clearly the biggest need on this team and that simple fact is pure torture for a fan base that was spoiled with Joe Montana and Steve Young. The 49ers made the mistake of selecting the wrong guy (Alex Smith) with the No. 1 overall pick in 2005 so they will be extremely cautious here. Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert would be worth a pick, in my opinion, if he were to fall, but Cam Newton is not the West Coast-style quarterback the 49ers are looking for. With this in mind, San Francisco, which would love to get its hands on Philadelphia’s Kevin Kolb, likely won’t spend pick No. 7 on a signal caller. Don’t be surprised, however, if the 49ers draft one in the second or third round. New head coach Jim Harbaugh has proven his ability to develop quarterbacks. He may be able to turn a guy like Florida State’s Christian Ponder, TCU’s Andy Dalton or even Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick into a winner.
2. Cornerback: Nate Clements is 31 years old and entering his 11th season, which means this may be the time to go after a shutdown corner like LSU’s Patrick Peterson. At just over 6-foot and 219 pounds, Peterson’s combination of size and athleticism make him the cream of the crop in this year’s cornerback class. The 4.34 40-yard dash he ran at the combine has the attention of a lot of teams. His value is increased because of his ability to return punts. We’re looking at a guy who should be able to start from day one. If Peterson is off the board, the 49ers would still do well to get Nebraska’s Prince Amukamara.
3. Running Back: With the injuries starting to pile up for Frank Gore, who has been overworked due to a poor passing game, the Niners may want to take a gamble on a running back. There aren’t any top-10 running backs in this year’s class, and the position isn’t an immediate need, so they won’t take one before the second round. At that stage of the game, they may be able to land a talent like Illinois’ Mike Leshoure.
4. Outside Linebacker: The Niners need a guy on the outside with the ability to put some heat on opposing quarterbacks. Inconsistent pressure was one of the big reasons they allowed 11 pass plays of more than 40 yards (tied for fifth-most in the NFL). San Francisco likely won’t be looking to address this position until the second round either, but would have to think about pouncing if Texas A&M’s Von Miller were to fall. The Niners could get their hands on a guy like Nevada’s Dontay Moch on day two. He has the kind of top-end speed that translates well at the next level.
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