49ers Sign Marvel Smith, How Does This Effect Thier Draft?

(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The 49ers are about to sign former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Marvel Smith.

Over the last two seasons Marvel has seen limited action due to a herniated disk in his back. He finished the 2008 season on injured reserve. According to his agent, Marvel was fully recovered from his back surgery in time to play in the Super Bowl, but couldn't due to his IR status.

This is good news for Niner fans.

With this signing the Niners were able to release oft injured Jonas Jennings. Jennings, when healthy, was a formidable offensive lineman.

So how does this effect the Niners draft?

It gives them the leeway to either draft an offensive tackle, or a pass rushing outside linebacker.

If Everette Brown of Florida or Aaron Maybin of Penn State fall to them at number 10, then I say pull the trigger on one of them. If neither of them are available, then Look at a game changing wide receiver the likes of Jeremy Maclin of Missouri, or Percy Harvin of Florida.

Any of these college prospects would instantly improve the Niners as a whole.

Now I am not saying the Niners should not draft a tackle of the future. In the second round of the draft there will still be some very good tackles left on the board when the Niners pick at #43.

For instance, Eben Britton of Arizona, Phil Loadholt of Oklahoma and William Beatty of Connecticut should still be there. Their is also Jamon Meredith of South Carolina, and Fenuki Tupo from Oregon.

Of these tackles, Beatty is the only one with a lack of size at 291 lbs.

Any of these linemen would be an upgrade over what the Niners have. Plus, with Marvel on the team, they wouldn't have to start right away.

Now with the two most two glaring needs filled, we can move on to the third round. Where if running back Shonn Greene from Iowa is still on the board, I say take him.

At 5'11" and 235 pounds, he is exactly the type of big back that Coach Singletary and new Offensive Cordinator Raye is looking for.

Not a flashy pick, but a solid one.

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