San Francisco 49ers: Breaking Down the Rookie Class After the Preseason

What would be the deal if you were an NFL rookie?

Make the squad, not make the squad, find yourself on the practice squad—the offseason process is about as enjoyable as, well, something that’s not so enjoyable.

For the San Francisco 49ers’ rookie class, the process was ephemeral at best and inexplicable at worst.

Darius Fleming tore his ACL in essentially the first rookie minicamp; Cam Johnson couldn’t be completely healthy if he was paid; and Jason Slowey, well, the masses wish him the best.

Indeed, for the bunch as a whole, it has been an endeavor of not the most positive proportions.

Case in point: outside linebacker—who would have thought that position was going to be a point of deficiency for the San Francisco 49ers? Injuries were certainly the culprit in that regard.

One way or another, the members of the rookie class couldn’t possibly imagine the positions they're in right now. Some are lost in the void, while others are trying to break free from the monotony that is the preseason.

That in mind, let’s go down the line and evaluate each of San Francisco's 2012 draft picks.

A.J. Jenkins, WR, University of Illinois (Round 1, No. 30)

Jumping to conclusions—regardless if one thought this rookie was going to have an impact on not—he sure did on Saturday.

After an unexpectedly quiet preseason, Jenkins’ broke out in his last outing. He caught four balls, for 59 yards and a touchdown, against a San Diego Chargers team that was absolutely trying.

He was fluid in and out of his routes and looked the part of an NFL receiver. The 49ers masked his shortcomings initially, but let his skills shine forth last week.

It might have taken time, but Jenkins definitely got it when it mattered most.

Jenkins, though, will not be called upon to contribute in a significant way in 2012. Randy Moss, Michael Crabtree, Mario Manningham and others will carry the torch at the wide-receiver position.

The rookie wideout will produce some quantifiable statistics in year one; they just won’t be that memorable.

Preseason Grade: B-

LaMichael James, RB, Oregon, (Round 2, No. 61)

Ouch.

This was definitely the reaction of a player who thought the worst but was hoping for the best.

LMJ was hurting, but rallied to the cause. Even after this particular game against the Texans, his 4.8 yards-per-carry carried the show.

Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman did not have any intention of showcasing what the slight-of-stature back could do on the gridiron. His spot on the depth chart indicates his role as a change-of-pace weapon with a purpose not to be revealed to the masses quite yet.

James will see a handful of touches on the ground and as a returner on special teams. He’ll operate as the ultimate X-factor.

Conjecture, though, rules the roost in this case—thinking about it otherwise would merely be a curious thing.

Only Harbaugh and company know exactly how they’ll use such a dynamic weapon.

Preseason Grade: N/A

Joe Looney, OG, Wake Forest (Round 4, No. 117)

Assuming the No. 2 spot on the depth chart as a mid-round rookie is no easy feat. Yet Wake Forest’s Joe Looney is a transcendent character in that regard.

Many fans were incredulous at the idea of drafting a lineman that low. He earned that draft status, however, when he suffered through the ramifications of a Lisfranc injury after a particular Senior Bowl practice.

Thus far, Looney’s operated in a fairly inconsistent fashion in 2012—but that can be expected out of a first-year player in the National Football League.

The most important idea is that he’s a fully capable lineman who’ll step into a starting role sooner rather than later. He’ll just sit behind one of the best in the business for the time being.

Mike Iupati is one hell of a mentor. He’ll need to prove that by showing the art of effective blocking to Mr. Looney in year one.

Preseason Grade: C

Darius Fleming, LB, Notre Dame (Round 5, No. 165)

Destroying one’s knee in the initial rookie training camp is about as bad as things get for prospective NFL mainstays.

Preseason Grade: INC

Trenton Robinson, S, Michigan State (Round 6, No. 180)

The 49ers might appreciate Robinson more than any other rookie in some time.

He is best qualified as a defensive back that cannot quite be labeled as either a strong or free safety. He’s undersized but has supreme tackling abilities and underrated proficiency in coverage.

Robinson’s 2012 preseason has not been without error, though. He’s been burned on a few occasions and has shown his rookie status.

In any case, he’ll serve as the No. 2 strong safety behind Donte Whitner and play a valuable role on special teams. The former Spartan can learn from a true professional at the position.

On a team that’s primed for postseason longevity, he won’t likely see much action when the need is at its highest point. That said, he will function as one hell of a backup.

Preseason Grade: C

Jason Slowey, OL, Western Oregon (Round 6, No. 199)

Slowey was a substantial disappointment. Many thought he would serve as quality backup in the NFL. Missing out on the practice squad could as easily have had to do with injuries as anything else.

Preseason Grade: F

Cam Johnson, DE/LB, Virginia (Round 7, No. 237)

Johnson has performed fairly well in limited action when not injured, but the practice squad isn’t the most admirable spot.

He’s certainly more of an edge rusher than an all-around linebacker at this point, but he does have the necessary skill set to perform at a high level in the NFL. He just needs to see more on-field action.

Part of that will materialize in a likely promotion due to Parys Haralson’s season-ending injury (via the San Jose Mercury News). He’ll need to learn how to disengage from offensive linemen and solidify the role of an edge-sealing linebacker. Aldon Smith will take care of the pass-rushing duties for the time being.

Suddenly, Johnson’s presence just got that much more crucial.

Preseason Grade: C-

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