NFL Draft 2011: How the San Francisco 49ers Stack Up in the NFC West Race

It seems as thought the 2011 draft was more about improving for the future for the San Francisco 49ers.  They grabbed a talented DE that should be able to work into a solid pass rusher in Round 1, but the seventh spot seemed a little high for Aldon Smith.  

Round 2 brought the answer to what Harbaugh had in mind at the QB position.  It is hard to know if that was the guy they wanted or just the best they could get.  Some analysts think Kaepernick will be an amazing prospect, while others aren't so sure.  They also grabbed an RB to spell Gore, so hopefully he can make it through an entire season.

My concern with the 49ers draft is the defensive backfield.  This was a major concern for the unit at times in 2010, and they are in jeopardy of losing some talent.  Dashon Goldson under-performed in 2010, and he is now a free agent.  Shawntae Spencer was inconsistent at best, and Nate Clements hasn't done much to suggest he's worth $16 million over the next two seasons.

There is also the issue of a certain DT being a free agent, and a talent like Aubrayu Franklin isn't easily replaced.  Add in that the 49ers were already thin at LB—and that Manny Lawson and Takeo Spikes need new contracts—and there are reasons to be concerned that the 49ers defense could take a step back in 2011.

Trent Baalke needs free agency to start so he can get to work on signing some of his players.

This is how I see the NFC Worst falling out in 2011:

Seattle Seahawks:  8-8
San Francisco 49ers: 7-9 
St. Louis Rams: 7-9
Arizona Cardinals: 3-13

Team by team summaries: Breakdown and standings for each team.