San Francisco 49ers Mock Draft 2012: 1st Full 7-Round Predictions of April

After acing free agency, the 49ers will now turn their attention to the NFL draft, where in recent seasons they've had massive success. 

The Niners must address several positions of need, or at least, for depth purposes. I can envision a surprise or two, considering Trent Baalke has kept draft plans pretty close to the chest. 

Nevertheless, Niners fans can rest easy with Trent Baalke at the helm and Jim Harbaugh leading the troops on the field. The Niners success last season speaks for itself. 

Until the 25th of April arrives, I shall give you my predictions on how the NFL draft may play out. 

Round 1: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Trent Baalke would be ecstatic if Konz fell to the Niners at the end of the first round. He is a day one starter and could force the Niners to part ways with veteran center, Jonathan Goodwin. 

Baltimore could be another landing spot for the young center. 

Round 2: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Jeffery was once touted to be a high-first-round selection, but concerns with weight and speed have brought down his draft value. 

Again, it may be a reach to expect Jeffery to fall this far, but he would be a nice developmental prospect for Harbaugh to mold. 

Round 3: Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas

Wright is the complete opposite of Jeffery. He has explosiveness to be that vertical receiver the Niners crave. In addition, Wright can play in the slot. 

Wright can be an immediate contributor and has upside to be a future star in this league. 

Round 4: Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma

Fleming doesn't scare you with his physical intangibles, but he has great instincts and awareness. He excels in coverage and as many analysts have repeated, you can't have too many DB's in this passing era. 

Round 5: Akiem Hicks, DE, Regina (Canada)

I love Hicks as a developmental prospect and Trent Baalke and the Niners' front brass should follow suit.

He has imposing measurables at 6'5", 318 pounds and is versatile to play at either end or tackle in Fangio's 3-4 defense. 

If the Niners draft Hicks, they will likely place him at tackle. He has surprising agility and athleticism, which should make him an ideal fit as an NT.

While size is required to play NT, Fangio loves athletic inside players and Hicks fits the bill.  

Round 6: Josh LeRibeus, OG, Southern Methodist

LeRibeus is a mauler in every sense of the word and should spark competition at right guard with Daniel Kilgore. 

While raw as a pass protector, he should immediately help the 49ers in smaller goal-line packages. 

Round 7: Damon Harrison, DT, William Penn

While Hicks is versatile enough to play either end or tackle in a 3-4 scheme, Harrison is simply a pure nose within the same scheme. 

The 49ers strength lies in their defensive line and adding depth wouldn't hurt. NT/DE Ricky Jean-Francois will likely depart after this season, and Isaac Sopoaga–– the 49ers starting NT––isn't getting any younger. 

Harrison is a little less athletic than Hicks, but he gives the Niners some girth in the middle. Not a bad late-round selection if the defensive lineman is available here.