Jim Harbaugh to San Francisco 49ers: 10 Players He'll Target in the NFL Draft

Welcome to San Francisco, Jim Harbaugh.

Multiple sources are reporting that Harbaugh will sign a five-year, $25 million deal with the 49ers today. The task ahead of Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke is no small feat. The 49ers need a quarterback, a better scheme on offense and help in the defensive secondary.

With the seventh overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft, the 49ers will be in a great position to address one of their many needs. How will the 49ers draft look with Harbaugh and Baalke calling the shots?

Round 1, Pick 7

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks is sacked by Cameron Heyward #97 and Dexter Larimore #72 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the fourth quarter during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on J

Ryan Mallett, Quarterback, Arkansas

Missouri's Blaine Gabbert may be the better prospect, but he will also most likely be off the board when the 49ers come up to pick at No. 7 overall.

Mallett brings everything you want in a franchise quarterback. He has a big arm, good enough mobility and a fiery competitive streak. Unlike former starter Alex Smith, Mallett is not afraid to demand excellence from his teammates.

NFL Comparison: Philip Rivers (with better mechanics), San Diego Chargers

Round 2, Pick 45

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DALLAS - OCTOBER 02: Cornerback Aaron Williams #4 of the Texas Longhorns drops a pass intended for Ryan Broyles #85 of the Oklahoma Sooners in the second quarter at the Cotton Bowl on October 2, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Ima

Aaron Williams, Cornerback, Texas

The 49ers have many pressing needs, but none greater in Round 2 than cornerback.

Veteran Nate Clements may see a move to free safety or could even be released. Clements, at corner or safety, needs to be replaced. 

Williams is a tall, lanky cornerback with good cover skills. He is better in man coverage than zone, where he was often exposed at Texas. Tackling is not his strength, but he does have great ability to lock down receivers.

NFL Comparison: Antonio Cromartie, New York Jets

Round 3, Pick 76

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 16: Jerrell Powe #57 of the Ole Miss Rebels against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Jerrell Powe, Defensive Tackle, Mississippi

The 49ers have employed a 3-4 defense under Mike Nolan and Mike Singletary, and we suspect they will under Harbaugh too.

Nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin is a free agent after receiving the franchise tag in 2010. His play slipped in 2010, and there is reason to believe he will be allowed to enter free agency.

Powe is a great replacement at nose tackle, but he also brings value if the 49ers run a four-man front next fall. He has a good base, great size and the strength to take on double-teams.

NFL Comparison: Kelly Gregg, Baltimore Ravens

Round 4, Pick 107

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Defensive lineman Pernell McPhee #90 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs sacks quarterback A. J. McCarron #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide November 13, 2010 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Al Messersch

Pernell McPhee, Defensive End, Mississippi State

Keeping with the theme of rebuilding this defensive line with younger players, McPhee is a very nice prospect in Round 4.

He has the size to play in a five-technique required for the 3-4 defense, but he also has the speed to make plays in the back field and track down the ball carrier. In a four-man front he could slide inside or shift to left end and provide a pass rush.

NFL Comparison: Brett Keisel, Pittsburgh Steelers

Round 4, Pick 114

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BOISE, ID - NOVEMBER 19: Austin Pettis #2 of the Boise State Broncos runs after a catch against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Bronco Stadium on November 19, 2010 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Otto Kitsinger III/Getty Images)

Austin Pettis, Wide Receiver, Boise State

Thanks to a trade with the San Diego Chargers, the 49ers have two picks in the fourth round.

Pettis is an immediate playmaker in an NFL offense. He will give the 49ers a true slot receiver, allowing more opportunities for Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree downfield.

We love the ability Pettis brings to the roster. He is among the most underrated players in the entire draft.

NFL Comparison: Jordan Shipley, Cincinnati Bengals

Round 5, Pick 138

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Running back John Clay #32 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes with the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

John Clay, Running Back, Wisconsin

Frank Gore is the 49ers' most valuable offensive player, and when he goes down with injury the team always ends up hurting. Anthony Dixon looks like a solid backup, but No. 2 back Brian Westbrook will likely not be back in 2011.

Clay is a big, bruising, tough runner who can push the pile. He does not have great speed, or even good speed, but he is a tough inside runner and valuable goal-line back.

NFL Comparison: John Kuhn, Green Bay Packers

Round 6, Pick 169

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LOS ANGELES - DECEMBER 5: Defensive ends Brooks Reed #42 and Ricky Elmore #44 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrate after stopping the USC Trojans on the final play on December 5, 2009 at the Los Angeles Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. Arizona won 21-17

Ricky Elmore, Outside Linebacker, Arizona

We have been promoting Elmore quite a bit this offseason due to his amazing pass-rushing skills. 

Elmore does not have great timed speed, but he has wonderful instincts and natural ability to elude blockers and key in on the quarterback. 

At 6'5" and 260 lbs, many will question his ability to play in a 3-4 defense as an outside linebacker, but we like his height to disrupt passing lanes and slide down to defensive end in dime packages.

NFL Comparson: Jerry Porter, Arizona Cardinals

Round 6, Pick 181

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GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 11: Offensive lineman Joseph Barksdale #78 of the LSU Tigers sets to block against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 11, 2008 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Joseph Barksdale, Offensive Tackle, LSU

A trade with the Seattle Seahawks for Kentwan Balmer gives the 49ers an extra pick in the sixth round.

After adding a quarterback, cornerback, nose tackle, receiver, running back and outside linebacker, the 49ers can focus on adding depth. 

Barksdale is a nice backup at either tackle position (referred to as a "swing tackle"). He offers potential as a run blocker, and he may even see a move to guard down the road.

NFL Comparison: Barry Richardson, Kansas City Chiefs

Round 7, Pick 199

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EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 2: Defensive end Kenny Rowe #58 of the Oregon Ducks looks to the sidelines for a signal in the second quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Autzen Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won the game 52-31.

Kenny Rowe, Outside Linebacker, Oregon

The 49ers picked up this selection in a trade with the Detroit Lions.

Rowe is an aggressive outside linebacker with the speed and agility to rush the passer from the edges. The Ducks have a very fast defensive scheme, and they ask their players to move around a lot and get after the ball carrier. This will fit in great with the 49ers.

NFL Comparison: Tedy Bruschi, New England Patriots (retired)

Round 7, Pick 200

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Ryan Whalen #8 of the Stanford Cardinal celebrates after Stanford won 40-12 against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Gett

Ryan Whalen, Wide Receiver, Stanford

With their final pick in the draft Jim Harbaugh and Trent Baalke bring in a familiar face in Stanford graduate Ryan Whalen.

A productive receiver, Whalen has the advantage of already knowing Harbaugh's scheme. He will surprise people with early playing time and contributions on special teams.

NFL Comparsion: Danny Amendola, St. Louis Rams

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