Looking Back on the San Francisco 49ers 2009 Draft

Back in April I wrote an article grading the San Francisco 49ers draft as a D+. The only player that gave the 49ers that mark was the drafting of Michael Crabtree. So, far we know how the story has played out with Crabtree who finally signed this past week.

Part of that grade was the 49ers trading away picks for Carolina's first round pick. Now that move looks like the smartest decision in the draft. With Carolina not having a win yet this season and having the toughest remaining schedule isn't going to help them.

I admit I was wrong in regards to the draft picks. Carolina was a solid team last year, they ended with a 12-4 record, I didn't believe they were going to decline so rapidly. So, the 2010 draft looks good for the 49ers thanks to Carolina's decline.

As for the man that I gave the highest grade for the 49ers, he hasn't played a down yet for the 49ers. He held out after getting bad advice from his agent Eugene Parker. There was a point in time where it seemed like Crabtree wasn't going to be a 49er and that would have meant that the 49ers wasted the number 10 selection.

Glen Coffee, I didn't really know what to expect when he was drafted in the third round. He did an okay job filling in for the injured Frank Gore as he got to see the ball a lot and he ended up with a decent amount of yards, but it also required over 20 plus carries to get 70 plus yards.

In his first start you could tell he was excited about it. He had some plays he should have made, but didn't. As the season progresses I think Coffee could definitely play a major role in the offense with Gore back in the lineup as well.

Scott Mckillop, a linebacker, was picked in the fifth round by the 49ers and has become a member of the special teams unit. He did contribute against the Rams by recovering a fumbled punt in the end zone, so he's credited with a fumble recovery as well as his first NFL touchdown.

Nate Davis, another fifth round pick, made the team by impressing the 49ers' staff in the preseason and is currently the number three quarterback for the 49ers.

Bear Pascoe was released by the 49ers. He was their sixth round selection. Their two seventh round selections are on the team, but have not appeared in a game, but are on the roster.

At this point in time I would have to say I would definitely bring up the grade for the 2009 draft for the 49ers. I do believe that it would go to a C+/B-. At this time Crabtree still hasn't played yet and Coffee has just one game under him where he got to see the bulk of the carries.

If Crabtree can contribute for the 49ers as a weapon that grade goes way up.