2010 NFL Draft: Evaluating First Round Possibilities for the San Francisco 49ers

With the 2010 NFL Draft just 10 days away, teams are busy making their last minute preparations for the big day. One of the interesting teams to watch on draft day, and especially in the first round, will be my favorite team, the San Francisco 49ers.

The team has two first round draft selections this year, and could go in numerous directions with them.

Different teams have various approaches to attacking the draft. Some like the Kansas City Chiefs tend to draft for positional value, while others such as the Green Bay Packers draft the best player available.

Over the last few years, I’ve noticed that the 49ers lean towards drafting the best player available, and weigh game film and natural skill over measurable athleticism and character flaws.

With that in mind, they may be looking to snatch one of the many, both, offensive and defensive playmakers that may be available

However, while I think they can afford to use the 17^th overall selection for a skill player, I strongly believe that they should use the 13^th overall selection to address their most pressing need, the right tackle position.

Last year, they swapped back and forth between Adam Synder and Tony Pashos, struggling to find a long-term solution.

Now, Pashos is in Cleveland, and, the team hasn’t made any significant moves in efforts to solving the problem. Therefore, all signs point to them drafting an offensive tackle early in the upcoming draft.

In my mind, there are four first-round worthy offensive tackles available; Russell Okung, Bryan Bulaga, Trent Williams, and Anthony Davis. Moreover, Maurkice Pouncey and Mike Iupati are very dominant interior lineman.

The Lions, Redskins, Chiefs, Seahawks, Raiders, and Bills are all teams in search for a franchise left tackle, which means there may be a run on the offensive tackles, leaving the 49ers empty-handed.

According to my mock draft, though, I only have three of the four, along with the workout warrior, Bruce Campbell taken in the first 10 picks, with Davis being the odd man out.

With Seattle sitting at 14, the 49ers will have to take the Rutgers star if they want to leave the first round with their glaring hole plugged up.

Davis has been drawing heavy criticism from the media, lately, for his poor performances during the pre-draft workouts.

I, on the other hand, think he’s a very solid prospect and will be a good right tackle in the NFL. In fact, I would be rather upset if they pass on him. Just like the Niners, I believe in evaluating how a college player will transition into the pros by examining his game film.  

With their 17^th pick, they will have a lot of options, and, after taking Davis, won’t feel pressured to fill a major void. In my mock draft, I have Dez Bryant, Mike Iupati, Brandon Graham, and Kyle Wilson all available, and all legitimate possibilities.

Bryant’s draft stock, like Crabtree’s last year, has fallen a bit. Both head coach Mike Singletary and GM Trent Baalke were in attendance on Oklahoma State’s Pro Day to watch him, and were pleased with what they saw. He’s a talented player whose off-the-field issues have been blown out of proportion. I think it would be a smart pickup, as he and Crabtree would create a formidable tandem for years to come.

Iupati is a very versatile offensive lineman who can ultimately play all five offensive line positions. Moreover, he’s a very explosive player who would open up lanes for the downhill rushing attack Mike Singletary wants to implement. This pick makes sense, because, now, the team’s weakest unit becomes one of their strengths.

Graham is the best 3-4 OLB in the draft, and despite being a bit of a reach, would be a solid option. Despite being tied for third in the league in defensive sacks with 44, I am a firm believer that you can never have too many pass rushers. Moreover, currently, the Niners don’t have a dominating threat off the edge, and Graham could be that guy.

Wilson would be a solid pick as well. The team is in search of an upgrade to their secondary, and he would be exactly that. He’s great in both coverage and run support, and has impressive intangibles. He would replace the underachieving, overpaid, Nate Clements.

If Spiller is available, though, which I don’t believe will be the case; I think he would be the best choice. Not only would he boost their rushing attack, but he would provide assistance with his big-play receiving ability, and would bring much-needed improvement to their return game.

As for a hypothetical trade scenario, there are obviously endless possibilities. However, I don’t see one happening. With these two selections, they are in pretty good position to draft two cornerstones on this team.

As a loyal die-hard fan, I’m definitely hoping that the team aces these two picks, and I wish them the best of luck moving forward. I’m confident that they will manage to get over the hump and into the playoffs. Who knows? They may even surprise us all and win it all.

Be Sure To Go Down To The Comment Section (Below) And Voice Your Opinion On What You Think The 49ers Should Do With Their Two First-Round Draft Picks.