2012 NFL Draft: 4 Elite Playmakers 49ers Should Consider Trading Up to Get

The San Francisco 49ers are only one or two key playmakers away from becoming a truly dominant team in the NFL, and as such Trent Baalke should consider trading up in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft to snag four elite prospects.

Free agency might change some of these needs, but for now, these four young men could be tremendous upgrades over the players currently on the roster for the 49ers. 

Dontari Poe, Defensive Tackle, Memphis

Dontari Poe is a player that I compare to Hiloti Ngata of the Baltimore Ravens. 

At 6'5" and tipping the scales at 350 pounds, Poe is even bigger than Ngata, and he might even be more powerful, too. Poe was named one of the strongest 10 players in college football last year, and if you are interested in seeing just how strong he is I encourage you to watch this video.

Poe could become an even bigger version of Justin Smith. He doesn't necessarily have to play the nose. He could become the player that demonstrates the next step in the evolution of the 3-4 defensive end.

Poe is a bit raw, but he's so powerful and quick that he could be the extra piece the 49ers need to establish their own defensive legacy.

I would be willing to see Trent Baalke trade up as far as the 25th overall pick to acquire the services of this massive defender.

David DeCastro, Offensive Guard, Stanford

David DeCastro is the best offensive guard prospect I've seen in years, and the 49ers would be wise to consider trading up for his rare talents.

DeCastro is a mauler in the running game, and he's just scratching the surface. At 6'5" and 310 pounds, he has the frame to put on 20 more pounds of muscle. He would become invaluable to the 49ers' power running attack as he is the best pulling guard in the draft.

He is also a willing and able pass-blocker, possessing quick, agile feet and exceptional lateral movement for a guard. He might not be the stoutest man on the line, but he knows how to use his hands to fight for leverage against bigger men, staying under their pads.

Trent Baalke should consider making a bold move if DeCastro is still around when the New York Jets pick with the 16th overall selection of the 2012 NFL draft.

Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver, South Carolina

The more tape I watch on Alshon Jeffery, the more I've come to like this young wide receiver out of South Carolina. 

Jeffery would come in and become a threat on the outside from day one, instantly making the 49ers into the most dangerous offense in the NFC West. Don't look to the stat sheet to tell you how good he is, though. Jeffery was missing a key element at college: a competent quarterback. 

Alex Smith has become just that, and he would love to have a guy like Jeffery to get the ball to.

At 6'4" and weighing 229 pounds, Jeffery's combination of size, speed and soft hands will make him the second-best wide receiver in the 2012 NFL Draft. He attacks the ball with his hands, not letting it touch his body, and he is adept at going up to get the ball at its highest point, a trait that is crucial for red-zone production.

If he's still on the board when the Dallas Cowboys are up with the 14th overall pick, Trent Baalke should take a hard look at what it would take to acquire this playmaking wide receiver.

Courtney Upshaw, Outside Linebacker, Alabama

Every dominant 3-4 defense has been dominant due to an unblockable duo of outside linebackers that can rush the passer.

Right now, the 49ers only have one player like that: Aldon Smith.  

Upshaw reminds me of a bigger version of James Harrison, the insane sack artist for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His unique build will hold up well against the tall offensive tackles of the NFL. At 6'1" and weighing 271 pounds, Upshaw possesses excellent strength and leverage in a compact form. 

He is also versatile, like Smith, and could become the other defensive end in pass-rushing situations.

Upshaw won't have to learn how to play on his feet, either, as he played the outside linebacker in Nick Saban's pro-style 3-4 defense.

Pairing Smith with Courtney Upshaw out of Alabama would turn the 49ers defense into an absolute nightmare for offensive lines to deal with.

I would support the 49ers moving all the way up to the 11th-overall spot by trading with the Kansas City Chiefs.