NFL Draft 2011: Players Who Can Fill the San Francisco 49ers' Biggest Needs
Part One of this two part article identifies the most glaring needs on the 49ers' roster. This is the second half of the article, which addresses potential players who may be candidates to fill those holes come draft day.
Most great teams in NFL history have built their roster through the draft. This is Jim Harbaugh's first offseason as an NFL head coach. There are high expectations for Harbaugh already. Many believe he is an expert at evaluating talent.
In order to have a successful beginning to his NFL coaching career, he will need to bring in players on draft day who are able to contribute immediately. Here are some of the potential prospects who just might fit the bill.
#5: Guard
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Top end talent: Danny Watkins, Baylor
There is no interior lineman who comes close to warranting a selection as the 7th overall pick in this year's draft. Even selecting a guard in the second round seems like a bit of a stretch for the 49ers. Even so, if they choose to select a guard in the second or third round, Danny Watkins seems like the most capable player who could still remain on the board.
Watkins is 26. His story is bizarre, as he originally attended Butte Community College in hopes of becoming a firefighter. His size and athleticism make him ideal as an interior line prospect at the next level. He could come in and compete for the starting job immediately.
Mid-round prospect: Zach Hurd, UConn
Zach Hurd is a mammoth guard with surprisingly quick feet. He is a physical specimen, at 6'7" tall. Hurd is a developmental proect, but may be able to flourish under the right circumstances. He is not worthy of a selection in the first three rounds, but worth a look in the mid to late rounds.
Late round pick: Andrew Phillips, Stanford
Andrew Phillips won't be the last Stanford Alumni on this list. Harbaugh assembled a staff that is riddled with Stanford roots. It is unclear what role Harbaugh's familiarity with Stanford's players is going to play come draft day, but it seems as though it will have at least some impact.
Phillips didn't dominate the collegiate ranks, though is expected provide depth at the next level. If Harbaugh is going to bring in a guard this late in the draft, selecting one who is familiar with the type of offense the team is going to run may be the best route.
#4: Pass Rusher
2 of 5Top end talent: Von Miller, Texas A&M
Von Miller's stock is going through the roof. He has great speed, phenomenal football instincts, and a knack for getting to the quarterback. The 49ers need an edge rusher. It seems as though Miller would thrive in Vic Fangio's 3-4 scheme.
With all of the draft buzz surrounding Miller, it is unclear whether or not he will be available when the 49ers select. He has the upside that makes scouts salivate and the tangible production that makes him worthy of a top ten selection. Sub 4.5 speed with unparalleled explosiveness? Miller could be the closest thing to a lock in the whole draft.
Mid-round prospect: Dontay Moch, Nevada
As anticipated, Dontay Moch blew up the combine. His athleticism is his strong suit, but some wonder if it will be enough to carry him through the next level. Moch is criticized for being stiff in the hips and possessing only straight-line speed.
Moch has all of the upside a team could ever want in a player. If he is available in the 4th round, the 49ers may find him worth the risk. There is a strong possibility a team will reach for him earlier than anticipated. Don't be surprised to see him in a Raider uniform.
Late round pick: Thomas Keiser, Stanford
Thomas Keiser amassed 15 sacks in 25 games at Stanford. At 6'5" he has ideal length for the outside linebacker position. He is comfortable with the coaching staff in San Francisco and could contribute immediately to the pass rushing rotation.
#3: Quarterback
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Top end talent: Cam Newton, Auburn
Drafting a quarterback in the first round would likely cause an uproar amongst the 49er faithful. That being said, Jim Harbaugh is a quarterback guru. If he believes Cam Newton could be developed into a franchise quarterback in the modified West Coast offense, the 49ers would be foolish not to select him.
Newton is a winner. He is the best dual threat quarterback in the draft and he has underrated technique. There are a lot of things to like about Newton. He is going to need to be taught how to read NFL coverages. He has boom or bust potential and character questions, but his NFL career has a high ceiling.
Mid-round prospect: Colin Kaepernick, Nevada
Someone is going to fall in love with Colin Kaepernick as the draft draws nearer. He has a huge arm, he can run and he appears humble. Kaepernick comes from an untraditional offense at Nevada, which hurts his draft stock.
Under the right supervision, he could become something special. He can make all the throws and if his athleticism is featured in the offense, Kaepernick will be effective in the NFL.
Late round pick: Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech
Yet another dual threat quarterback, Tyrod Taylor's strength lies within his legs. He needs serious work on his delivery, but it does not affect his ability to hit his receivers in the numbers. At 6'1", Taylor doesn't have desirable size to play quarterback in the NFL.
It is unclear whether or not Taylor will ever be a starting quarterback in the league. He may be able to contribute as a gadget player, perhaps even transitioning to another position. Regardless, his football skillset makes him a desirable commodity.
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#2: Cornerback
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Top end talent: Patrick Peterson, LSU
Patrick Peterson could be the best player in the draft. He's physical, nearly flawless in coverage, and possesses great speed. Peterson is as highly touted as Charles Woodson and Deion Sanders were when they came out of the draft.
Corners tend to slip in the draft. Even the most sought after corners usually make their way out of the top five. The 49ers may be lucky enough to see Peterson slip to them at number seven. Peterson has 4.3 speed and stands at 6'0", 220 pounds. His entry to the lineup brings immediate improvement to the corner position.
Mid-round prospect: Buster Skrine, Chattanooga
Many people, including myself, thought Buster Skrine would be available in the later rounds. After his stellar performance at the combine, Skrine forced scouts to go back and look at the tape. He didn't make a whole lot of noise in college, as he went to a smaller school.
One look at Skrine's tape and it is easy to understand why his stock is on the rise. Elite speed, solid cover corner skills, and the will to tackle make Skrine a desirable talent. He might not have been facing SEC caliber receivers, but Skrine has the skillset to compete in the NFL.
Late round pick: DeMarcus Van Dyke, Miami
DeMarcus Van Dyke has questionable football skills. He appears lost at times, and failed to be the undisputed starting corner even on his college team. His inconsistency would usually force teams to write him off completely, but it's easy to forget the tape after looking at his workout numbers.
Van Dyke has blazing speed. If he is available when the 49ers draft with the 30th pick in the 7th round, he may be worth the risk. He stands at 6'1" and could be a special teams contributor while he develops his game.
#1: Defensive Tackle
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Top end talent: Marcell Dareus, Alabama
Marcell Dareus appears to be a plug and play nose. He requires the attention of multiple linemen and can also help in the pass rush department. Dareus was a five technique defensive end in college, but projects better as an interior lineman.
Dareus has great lower body strength and incredible explosiveness. He is stout against the run and relentless in his pursuit of the pass rusher. Some scouts are concerned that Nick Fairley may be a one year wonder. Such is not the case with Dareus, who helped Alabama to a National Championship in 2009.
Mid-round prospect: Sione Fua, Stanford
Of all the prospects coming from Stanford, Sione Fua seems most likely to wind up a 49er. Fua is excellent at taking on multiple blockers and standing his ground. He is not a game changer, but rather a blue collar football player who can excel as a role player.
Fua is the type of player that makes everyone in the front seven better. He may not be a playmaker, but he does his job and played a huge role in the success Stanford saw on defense in 2010.
Late round pick: David Carter, UCLA
David Carter dominated the East West Shrine Game. He hasn't been spoken of since. Carter is 6'5". He can play anywhere along the defensive line, but his bulk may urge teams to put him in the middle. Given his size, it is somewhat surprising he is able to get to the quarterback as well as he does. Carter may be worth a selection in the later rounds, even if it is as an insurance policy.
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