2012 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-Round Projection for the San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers aren't yet finished with their 2011 endeavors, but their front office is already moving forward into 2012. Draft boards are being fastidiously updated and rearranged as the weeks go by.

That being said, it's time to update my predictions. Here is my latest, full seven-round NFL mock draft for the 49ers.

Some players have bolstered their stock with exceptional bowl game performances, while others have given teams reason to reconsider their worth after bad performances.

This won't be the last update, as we still have the NFL draft combine to evaluate, as well as players' individual workouts and interviews. There will certainly also be some players that are high on draft boards who will fall far down due to character issues that are currently under the radar.

First Round, Pick 28: Kendall Wright, Wide Receiver, Baylor

Kendall Wright is a four-year starter for Baylor University, and his production has steadily increased every year. Wright is a true burner. He uses excellent cuts in his routes and his quickness off the line will serve him well in the NFL.

When you imagine Wright, think about a slightly bigger version of DeSean Jackson without all the attitude. 

Wright's career at Baylor was nothing short of epic. In four seasons, he amassed a total of 302 catches for 4,004 yards with 30 touchdowns. 

The 49ers could sure use that kind of productivity in their passing game. 

With Wright in the lineup, I could envision a starting lineup of Wright on one side, Michael Crabtree on the other with Kyle Williams in the slot. The best thing about this combination of receivers is that they are interchangeable, as all three have the ability to play all three positions.

Previous pick: Nick Toon, Wide Receiver, Wisconsin

Second Round, Pick 60: Jayron Hosley, Cornerback, Virginia Tech

The 49ers have some decisions to make in the offseason. Carlos Rogers and Dashon Goldson are both unrestricted free agents, and both will be commanding top dollar in the open market. 

Even if they do manage to keep both of their stars, the 49ers will jump at the chance to draft Jayron Hosley with their second-round selection. 

Hosley is an underclassman out of Virginia Tech, and he is one of the best ball-hawking cornerbacks in this year's draft class. 

As a sophomore, Hosley intercepted nine passes, leading the nation. His production slacked off this year, though, as he only picked of three passes in 2011. 

Some mocks have Hosley going higher in the draft than I do, but I believe his size and strength will cause his stock to fall a tad, allowing the 49ers to pick him up with the 60th overall selection of the 2012 NFL draft.

Previous pick: Robert Lester, Free Safety, Alabama

Third Round, Pick 92: Robert Lester, Free Safety, Alabama

In my last mock draft, I had the 49ers picking Robert Lester in the second round. Lester's stock has dropped off a bit since then, but the 49ers would still love to pick him up in the third round.

Picking Lester would make Dashon Goldson's contract situation no longer a high priority, and I would be willing to bet he could play in this system as well as Goldson, given a proper training camp to prepare.

Lester specializes in getting his hands on the football in coverage. Like Jayron Hosley before him, Lester has dropped off in production this year, and his stock has fallen as a result. Make no mistake about it, though, Lester can play in space, and he can make big plays. 

At 6'2" and weighing in at 210 pounds (10 pounds heavier than Goldson), Lester also packs quite a punch. He plays well in both man-to-man and zone schemes, making him invaluable to Vic Fangio and his varied defensive sets.

Previous pick: Ben Jones, Center, Georgia

Fourth Round, Pick 126: Michael Brewster, Center, Ohio State

The 49ers got lucky when they picked up Jonathan Goodwin, but he's already a seasoned veteran who's not getting any younger. They will draft his replacement in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL draft and pick Michael Brewster out of Ohio State.

Brewster is a four-year starter for the Buckeyes, and he showed a lot of character by sticking around for his senior year after the school suffered their recent humiliation. He is a true leader, and a damn good center to boot.

Brewster is an excellent pass-blocker, which is an area that Goodwin struggles with. He is quick off the ball and moves well on his feet for a big man. He also is a good run-blocker who knows how to get the most out of his body and leverage men much larger than him.

Brewster could anchor the 49ers offensive line for a decade, further solidifying the team's young corps of offensive linemen that will only get better the longer they play together.

Previous pick: Josh Chapman, Nose Tackle, Alabama

Fifth Round, Pick 158: Jacquies Smith, Defensive End, Missouri

49ers rookie defensive end Aldon Smith knows a thing or two about Jacquies Smith. The two of them played together at the University of Missouri, and Aldon refers to him as "big brother."

Smith (Jacquies) will be picked by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL draft. He isn't quite as athletic as his former teammate, but he shows the ability to convert to be an explosive 3-4 outside linebacker.

Ahmad Brooks is going to be a free agent, and Parys Harrelson, while solid, isn't a dominating force on the outside for the 49ers. They need another dominant pass-rusher to become the kind of monstrosity on defense that earns a nickname. They need Jacquies Smith.

Previous pick: Trevor Guyton, Defensive End, California

Sixth Round, Pick 190: Ryan Miller, Guard, Colorado

One of the biggest concerns for the 49ers this year has been the inconsistent play from the offensive line, especially at the right guard position. Chilo Rachal is one of the worst players in the NFL, and he'll be cut after the season is done.

Adam Snyder will be a free agent as well and isn't guaranteed to be back next year, making it a priority for the 49ers to address this as a position of need in the draft. 

The 49ers will select Ryan Miller, guard out of Colorado, with their sixth-round pick of the 2012 NFL draft. Miller is an imposing figure, much like Robert Gallery of the Seattle Seahawks, and he could become another punishing run-blocker for the team.

Miller, at 6'8" and 298 pounds, is built more like a tackle than a guard, but he will put on more weight with the proper training and supervision of an NFL strength and conditioning coach. He will be a beast in a couple of years, and at the price of a sixth-round pick, the 49ers can afford to wait that long for the results. 

Previous pick: Lucas Nix, Guard, Pittsburgh

Seventh Round, Pick 222: Nicolas Jean-Baptiste, Nose Tackle, Baylor

Nicolas Jean-Baptiste is a developmental prospect as a nose guard. The big man from Baylor is a former walk-on with a fervent passion for the game of football. 

When I say big man, I really mean it. At 6'2" and weighing in at 335 pounds, Jean-Baptiste is the perfect size for a 3-4 nose tackle. 

The reason he's being projected as low as he is is clearly shown in the picture I've chosen in this slide. He doesn't play as big as he is. He doesn't know how to use his body to shed blockers and needs to develop a lot more strength if he is to succeed in the NFL. 

Luckily for the 49ers, Isaac Sopoaga is still as strong and healthy as an ox, and he looks to have at least a couple more good years left before he's done. 

Previous pick: Omar Bolden, Cornerback, Arizona State