2011 NFL Draft: Who Are the San Francisco 49ers Going to Take in the 2nd Round?

The 49ers took pass rusher Aldon Smith with the seventh overall pick in last nights 2011 NFL Draft. While it may be considered somewhat of a reach, they got a fantastic athlete and filled a major need.

Now it is on to the second round, where the 49ers will look to grab another starter. The major unfilled needs are cornerback, defensive tackle and quarterback.

The run on quarterbacks started much sooner than expected. Unless the 49ers decide to trade up before the other quarterback starved teams in the second round, it is unlikely they will get the quarterback they want.

Andy Dalton and Colin Kaepernick are still on the board, but there is a strong possibility both will find homes before the 49ers select.

Stephen Paea is the best defensive tackle, but they might be able to get a defensive tackle who could contribute if they waited until the third round.

The most logical player to select is Texas' Aaron Williams or Miami's Brandon Harris. Williams is a gifted and versatile athlete who could play both safety and corner.

If the 49ers aren't sold on Dashon Goldson, Williams could be an intriguing prospect. Goldson is going to become a very expensive commodity and the 49ers have to decide whether or not they want to invest so heavily in an average to slightly above average safety with tackling issues and coverage problems.

The 49ers could fill their cornerback need with either player. If they were to draft Harris or Williams, both could start immediately and contribute from day one. The 49ers chose to pass pretty readily on Prince Amukamara. Is that because they are targeting a corner in later rounds with similar or greater value?

The 49ers need a quarterback, but if they don't see their quarterback of the future on the board, they shouldn't panic and settle on Ricky Stanzi.

Whatever the 49ers may do, it looks as though they are going to be able to land a starter, with a ton of talent still remaining on the board.