An Updated Version of Who the San Francisco 49ers Should Draft

Approximately two months ago I wrote an article titled 49ers-should-look-to-draft" target="_blank">"Players the San Francisco 49ers Should Draft." Well, here's an update to that article.

The 49ers still have pretty much the same needs: safety, pass rush help, offensive line help, and now there are fans looking for a three-headed rushing attack. So, here's the updated list on who the 49ers should draft.

First Round

1. Sean Smith, Safety: The 49ers definitely need a play maker on defense in the secondary. He played more corner in college, but is much better suited as a safety in the NFL. At 6'4", 215 pounds, he has excellent size at the position and has been compared to Mel Blount.

2. Rey Maualuga, Inside Linebacker: Due to his size he would fit well beside Patrick Willis. It's looking like that the 49ers are looking at other positions due to the resigning of Takeo Spikes, but with Spikes' injury history, anything is possible and Maualuga could learn a lot from Spikes.

3. Eugene Monroe, Offensive Tackle: It's looking like even though one of the biggest needs for the 49ers is on the offensive line, that Monroe is going to be taken before pick No. 10. 

4. Everette Brown: If he magically falls down on the list the 49ers should swoop in to draft him. Brown would instantly improve the 49ers defense with his pass rushing capabilities and it would be helpful for the 49ers secondary because last year quarterbacks had all day to throw against the 49ers.

Second Round

1. Clint Sintim: If the 49ers are unable to draft the pass rushing Brown, then Sintim is the obvious choice. He is used to playing in the 3-4 system and last year he had 12.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks.

2. Victor Harris: The 5'11" cornerback would definitely fit a need in the secondary at the cornerback position because Walt Harris is aging. Victor Harris ended the year with six interception including two taken back for scores.

3. Phil Loadholt: A 6'8", 332-pound tackle, he would definitely help on the offensive line. It would improve the size of the line as well as help with the fact that Mike Singletary wants a smashmouth type attack.

4. Duke Robinson could be a steal in the second round. A massive guard at 6'5" 330 pounds, and he was a AP-All American, known for being the driving force of Oklahoma's offense last year.

Third Round

1. Ramses Barden: No matter how much the 49ers look over this guy from a really small school, they shouldn't. He could be quite a steal for the 49ers. He's 6'6", 230, and what a weapon to have, especially in the red zone.

2. Marcus Freeman: An outside linebacker form Ohio State who made the second team. Had 76 tackles including 9 for loss, and 3.5 sacks.

3. Michael Hamlin: Another intriguing prospect at safety. Considering that's been the 49ers, it might not hurt to take two. Although, if the 49ers go this way they should be definitely drafting Maualuga.

Since, there's been many fans recently wanting a three-headed running attack. For the fourth round, here's where the 49ers should take a running back.

Fourth Round

1. Javon Ringer: Ringer was a workhorse back at Michigan State, gaining over 1,500 yards and scoring 21 touchdowns, and he would definitely help the 49ers rushing attack.

2. Andre Brown: Showed at NC State that he could catch the ball out of the backfield, and he has excellent size at 6'0 and 225 pounds, which might be more enticing to the 49ers: a big back that can take a hit.

3. Zach Follett: The 49ers should take a long hard look at the Cal product. He finished the season with 23 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, four passes broken up, and five forced fumbles. Follett has a motor that doesn't quit and was the leader on the defensive side of the ball for the Golden Bears and showed tremendous intensity.

4. Nate Davis: A darkhorse from Ball State who showed tremendous ability at Ball State. Threw for 3,446 yards had 26 touchdowns to 7 interceptions and a 9.3 yards per attempt.

5. Kory Sheets: Showed excellent hands, catching 37 passes and rushing for over 1,000 yards. More importantly, scored 16 touchdowns and could definitely be a solid running back in the NFL.

Fifth Round

1. Mike Teel: Excellent size for a quarterback at 6'4', 220 and showed scouts what he could do in the last few games of his senior year, throwing for over 1,000 yards and had 10 touchdowns to just 1 interception. He would definitely be a project and would definitely take a few years to develop.

2. Morgan Trent: Again, the 49ers will need to develop a corner who will be able to take over eventually for Walt Harris. Trent has good size for a corner at 6'1" and 190 pounds. He had 41 tackles this season and three interceptions and was one of the bright spots for Michigan this year.

3. Worrell Williams: He fit very well in a 3-4 system which he thrived in. He's a big hitter he's 6'2" 250 so he's got the size to play the inside position. Another local guy who could make an impact with the team. He would also make it so the 49ers could draft a guy like Sean Smith in the first round as well. 

Sixth Round

1. Garrett Reynolds: At 6'7" 310 he would again add height to the line and some size to it. He started 48 consecutive games and was a All Big-East first-teamer. He could get a chance as well.

2. Jaison Williams: He's got the size to play in the NFL at 6'5" 240 pounds. He'll be a possession receiver and if the 49ers are able to develop him, he could become a solid receiver who can be utilized on third down and in the red zone. His problem was lack of consistency at the University of Oregon.

3. Patrick Turner:  Size wise at 6'5" 225 he's the best available of a projected sixth-rounder because he has the ability to cause mismatches due to his height and strength. His draft stock has fallen so far, but I believe it had something to do with being overshadowed by a transfer from Arkansas and the three running backs USC employed. 

Seventh Round

1. Mike Thomas: He could come in as a punt/kick returner for the 49ers to replace Allen Rossum or since he was resigned be the second return man. He has the potential to be a solid third receiver because he runs excellent routes and has good hands.

Also, considering he was able to catch 75 passes for 834 yards is very impressive considering the Pac-10 has some of the best corners in college football.

2. David Johnson: Johnson threw for 43 touchdowns but had 18 interceptions, but threw for 3,866 yards and averaged 10.3 yards per attempted throw.

3. Jeremiah Johnson could go in the sixth round, but if he's available in the seventh he'd be an interesting choice considering the fact he's very similar in size to Jonathan Stewart who performed very well for the Panthers last year.

Johnson would only be selected if the 49ers do not go after a running back in the earlier rounds.