2011 NFL Draft: Will San Francisco 49ers Go QB or Best Player?

Jim Harbaugh’s hiring in January has finally given the San Francisco 49ers optimism.

One of more tradition-rich franchises in sports, the 49ers have been bottom-feeders for the better part of the last decade. Their last playoff appearance was the 2002 season. That is unacceptable for a franchise such as the 49ers.

Many issues have plagued the 49ers over the last several seasons. As expected, QB and coaching are among the biggest contributors.

San Francisco selected QB Alex Smith, first overall in the 2005 draft. Through six unsuccessful seasons and several benchings, Smith always seemed to show glimpses that gave the team hope.

Smith has solid talent. He is athletic with a strong arm, and is highly intelligent. So why hasn’t it translated to sustained success on the field thus far?

Start with coaching, Smith has played under several head coaches such as Dennis Erickson, Mike Nolan and Mike Singletary. Through the head coaching changes came even more offensive coordinator changes.

You can view that in multiple ways. Smith was good enough to get several coaches fired or Smith hasn’t found the right coach commensurate with his ability.

At this point, it is time for the 49ers to move forward without Smith. While Harbaugh has said many complimentary things of Smith and even worked with him before the lockout, he knows Smith isn’t the answer.

Harbaugh was simply giving Smith confidence and keeping those options open because he was unsure how the labor situation would affect the 49ers QB situation. With the lockout continuing, it appears the 49ers may be stuck with Smith for one more season.

What are the 49ers top three needs heading into the NFL draft?

Quarterback

Jim Harbaugh was a former longtime NFL QB himself. And a successful one. He understands how important getting the QB situation right is for a new coach.

With the seventh pick, it is unlikely the 49ers will have a chance at the top two QBs on the board; Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert. And they may be good news to 49ers fans.

Neither of the two is considered a true “franchise quarterback.” While both possess outstanding physical ability, there are questions that surround both. And with other positions that need to be addressed, the 49ers could possibly look to move back into the lower half of the first round to select a QB.

Andy Dalton and Christian Ponder are moving up on everyone’s draft boards. Both appear to be ideal fits for the offense Harbaugh would like to run. Will the 49ers decide to move up or stand pat and take the best available one?

If there is a QB you want, you should try every possible way to get him. If you doubt that someone may the guy, then you should definitely pass.

Outside Linebacker

The 49ers are in great shape on the inside with Patrick Willis and veteran Takeo Spikes. Willis is perhaps the best inside linebacker in the game and an amazing talent. But to truly have an outstanding 3-4 defense, you need to find the right players on the outside.

2010 starters Parys Haralson and Manny Lawson combined for six sacks. In an ideal world you would like six sacks each or more from both of the outside linebacker positions in the 3-4. New coordinator Vic Fangio, will bring the same attacking style he used at Stanford.

Possibilities include Von Miller, if he slips (he won’t) and UNC DE Robert Quinn with their first selection. If they are uncomfortable with the options available at seven, then perhaps they could look to address the position from the second round on down. Guys such as Arizona’s Brooks Reed or Georgia’s Justin Houston could possibly be there in round two.

This position will have to improve for the defense to get better. Pressure is essential from this spot in the 3-4 defense.

Cornerback

Nate Clements has been solid since San Francisco signed him to a mega-contract in 2007. But solid or decent hasn’t been enough considering the investment. Clements is not getting younger, therefore he isn’t getting better.

So it is time for the 49ers to look towards his replacement. In a perfect world, LSU’s Patrick Peterson will be available with the seventh pick. It is possible considering other teams reaching for need over the best available player.

Peterson is arguably the best player in the draft and possesses a size-speed combo that NFL teams covet. Add to that, he was an extremely productive player in college.

It is unlikely the 49ers select a QB with the seventh pick. If Gabbert falls, then he becomes a possibility. Expect them to address the position with a second round pick or perhaps move back into the lower half of the first round.

Patrick Peterson will be the 49ers selection as it looks more and more likely the top two WRs and QBs will be gone, therefore pushing Peterson down the board.

San Francisco fans can rejoice as Peterson will be an immediate upgrade and a future star.