San Francisco 49ers Draft Review

1st Round, Pick #7: Aldon Smith (DE/OLB Missouri)

I knew San Francisco was not going to take Blaine Gabbert like everybody expected, which I agree with, and I also really like what they did with this pick. Instead of the new regime risking their jobs by taking a project in Gabbert, they are instead taking what I believe to be the correct route, and build up your team, and plug in the QB Later. San Francisco has been dying for a good pass rusher for a long time, and Aldon Smith has the potential to be elite. The only reason I don't give this pick an A, is because I absolutely love Robert Quinn, and if they were going pass rusher, he should have been the guy, but this is still a very solid selection.

Grade- B+

2nd Round, Pick #36: Colin Kaepernick (QB Nevada)

Another solid pick for the 49ers. Kaepernick isn't ready to come in and be their starting quarterback, he is still very raw, and has some mechanical issues to work out. I'm not a big fan over Kaepernick's, however, he has the luxury of having one of the top quarterback coaches in Jim Harbaugh working with him, and this is about the best situation he could have been drafted to. Kaepernick will be able to sit back and develop his first year or two before he will be ready to take over. Also don't forget that Harbaugh has had good success with another mobile quarterback in Josh Johnson when he was at San Diego.

Grade- B

3rd Round, Pick #80: Chris Culliver (CB South Carolina)

I absolutely love this pick, as I think Chris Culliver was one of the most over-looked prospects in this years class. And had it not been for injury last year, we would be talking about him like a late first, early second round prospect. San Francisco was rumored to be very interested in trading up for Patrick Peterson, or taking Prince Amukamara to help address their poor secondary play last year. Culliver comes to the 49ers will some versatility. Culliver has experience at both Safety and Cornerback. He was one of the fastest defensive backs at the combine with a 4.4 40, but really has the skill set to be good at either position. But Culliver will probably find a majority of his playing time his first year at the nickle corner spot while he gets acclimated to the NFL.

Grade- A

4th Round, Pick #115: Kendall Hunter (RB Oklahoma State)

This pick could definitely be considered as one of the biggest steals of the draft. Kendall Hunter is a very talented back, and if wasn't for one season where he got injured he could have gone much higher. I would not have had any issues if a team would have taken him in the 2nd round. Hunter isn't going to be your 25-30 carries a game back (but who is, nowadays), but he should be able to take over the complementary role with Frank Gore and give the offense that quick back that can catch the ball out of the backfield and be the lightning to Gore's thunder. Great value and great addition to the team.

Grade- A+

5th Round, Pick #163: Daniel Kilgore (OG App. State)

If Jim Harbaugh's teams at Stanford are any indication of what he'll run with the 49ers then we'll see a heavy dose of power running. To do that you need some big nasty lineman that just want to plant defenders into the ground. Kilgore isn't a great athlete, but he is a nasty blocker that is willing to open up holes for the running game. He doesn't have a lot of upside and likely won't ever be a good starter, which is why I don't care for this pick, but he'll definitely provide solid depth along the offensive line.

Grade- C

6th Round, Pick #182: Ronald Johnson (WR U.S.C)

Once again, another great pick, and a steal for the rebuilding franchise. San Francisco has a very talented wide receiver in Michael Crabtree and tight end Vernon Davis, but Ted Ginn Jr. hasn't been the deep threat that they thought they were getting. I really think Ronald Johnson (AKA Ro-Jo) is a very underrated player, who goes under the radar, just because he isn't flashy. He isn't spectacular, but he is an excellent route runner, has great speed, and just knows how to get open. Johnson has the potential to be a very good
player but falls to the 6th round because he lacks concentration which
often leads to drops.

Grade- A

6th Round, Pick #190: Colin Jones (Safety T.C.U)

Jones comes from one of the best defensive coaches in the NCAA and brings a great ability to help in stopping the run. He'll compete for playing time at the strong safety position, but really his biggest contributions will come on special teams where he has the potential to be very good. I usually knock these types of picks because Jones doesn't have much upside, but this is clearly just a team looking for a good special teamer, and I'm fine with that.

Grade- C+

7th Round, Pick #211: Bruce Miller (DE/OLB Central Florida)

It really surprises us that Bruce Miller would still be available in the 7th round. Now its not like I thought he'd be a first or second round pick, but with the need for 3-4 edge rushers, you would think he would have been selected somewhere in the 4th or 5th round by a team that runs a 3-4 defense. Miller doesn't have great size, but he has a great, non-stop motor, and never quits on a play. I could really see Miller developing into a poor man's Elvis Dumervil This is a Low Risk, High Reward selection, which are always great!

Grade- A

7th Round, Pick #239: Michael Person (OT Montana State)

One thing always happens at the end of the NFL draft. The small school Offensive Lineman start flying off the boards, as teams are always looking for that diamond in the rough. This year is no different. Person has the size to be an NFL lineman and probably will get looks at right tackle or guard. Person has a uphill battle to make the team, but teams love size and potential, which he has.

Grade- A

7th Round, Pick #250: Curtis Holcomb (CB Florida A&M)

A late round flyer on a small school prospect who has good ball skills and moves well. However he struggles in the run game and could improve on his instincts. If Holcomb wants to make the 49ers he is going to have to improve his tackling because he'll have to show that he can contribute on special teams.

Grade- C