Comparing Each San Francisco 49ers 2012 Draft Pick to a Current NFL Player

The 49ers did not ace the 2012 NFL draft, but they did come away with a few projects and solid depth. I'm not here to grade the 49ers' draft picks, as many of my peers have already done that. 

Grades should come down the line, but I can give 49ers fans a little comparison taste.

A few comparisons may come as a shock, but they're only one man's opinion. Enjoy!

A.J. Jenkins (WR)

Comparison: Brandon Lloyd (WR)

This may be a surprising comparison, but the more tape I watch of Jenkins, the more he resembles Lloyd. 

As many 49ers fans can attest, the relationship between the Niners and Lloyd didn't end on the best foot.

Lloyd himself was considered an underachiever in San Fran but his career trajectory pointed up after his amazing season under Josh McDaniels in Denver. 

Jenkins has more downfield speed, which is something the Niners lacked last season. More importantly, his route running mirrors that of a certain veteran receiver: Brandon Lloyd. 

LaMichael James (RB)

Comparison: Darren Sproles (RB)

LaMichael James is a speedier version of Kendall Hunter. The more likely comparison is the little guy in New Orleans: Darren Sproles. 

James will be a favorite of Niners fans. He has superb speed and quickness and should bring a new dimension to the current 49ers offense. 

Similar to Sproles, James will likely fail to become a lead back, but as a situational player, watch out. He can be a game-changer in space and should become a special teams ace. 

I expect James to have a bright future in a 49ers uniform. 

Joe Looney (OG)

Comparison: Chris Kemoeatu (OG)

This may be high praise for the former Wake Forest product, but in my opinion, he has this high of a ceiling. 

Looney will have trouble in pass protection, but he is a pure mauler and should form a nasty tandem with Mike Iupati.

The 49ers have a nice prospect in Daniel Kilgore, who was their fifth-round draft selection in 2010, but his playing time (or lack thereof) has been perplexing to say the least. 

I expect Kilgore to get the nod at RG to begin camp, but if he slips, watch out for Looney. 

Darius Fleming (OLB)

Comparison: Ahmad Brooks (OLB)

This was a hard comparison, but I finally came up with a NFL player that resembles Fleming. Similar to Brooks, Fleming won't beat his man with pure speed, but rather with power. 

He has a solid bull rush but is pretty one dimensional when it comes to a speed rush. Fleming has potential to become a solid rotational player. 

He'll likely play as the "Jack" linebacker in the 49ers 3-4 scheme, which is essentially the DE/OLB 'tweener role.

Aldon Smith played this role last season, but 49ers fans should hedge their excitement if they expect similar production from Fleming. Smith had obvious physical gifts that Fleming can never possess. 

Trenton Robinson (S)

Comparison: Major Wright (SS)

Trent Robinson was a solid pickup for the 49ers, but Jim Harbaugh and Trent Baalke must be patient with him. 

I project Robinson to be purely a strong safety, which makes his smallish stature a little alarming. Nevertheless, he is a tough and instinctive safety who should have no trouble diagnosing plays at the line of scrimmage. 

He will struggle to defend tight ends, though the Niners usually rely on Patrick Willis in that regard. Major Wright is almost the exact player and he is a starter for the Chicago Bears. 

I don't expect Robinson to take over the starting duties at SS, but he should definitely be involved in sub packages. 

Jason Slowey (C)

Comparison: Casey Wiegmann (C)

At 6'4'' and 304 lbs., Slowey has the ideal height to play the center position but he must beef up. Similar to Wiegmann, Slowey has exceptional awareness. 

Slowey should have no trouble in diagnosing and picking up blitzes. His athleticism is what will separate him from Wiegmann and many other centers in the league. 

I suspect Slowey will get stronger and, in turn, he should challenge for the starting center position in a year or two. His work in the weight room will determine how quickly he plays on the field. 

Cam Johnson (DE/OLB)

Comparison: Jarret Johnson (OLB)

The athletically gifted Cam Johnson will have to make the switch from a DE to an OLB with the 49ers. Many college players have to make this switch, but Johnson is one of the more intriguing prospects.

His ability to not only rush the passer, but also be effective in various coverage schemes likely attracted the Niners brass. 

The fact that he is so raw should excite Jim Harbaugh and Vic Fangio. With the right coaching, they can mold him to their liking.