I know I'm a little late, but I really want to post about the 49ers' selections in the draft this year. I can hardly contain my excitement. Last year we had a good defense anchored by superstar linebacker Patrick Willis and a lot of weapons on offense, including Pro-Bowlers Frank Gore and Vernon Davis, and the rookie standout Michael Crabtree. With Singletary in his first full year as head coach, the 49ers fought hard for their first non-losing season since 2002. However, there were some obvious weaknesses. Luckily, we went into the 2010 NFL draft with two first round picks and several other good picks.
Before the draft, the team's biggest position needs were clearly spelled out: offensive linemen and defensive backs. Because the 49ers' old general manager has been removed from the organization, and a new one hasn't been hired yet, a former subordinate of the old GM stepped in to take the lead. I have a strong suspicion that Coach Singletary had a lot more influence over the draft as a result of this internal shakeup. Regardless of who was ultimately calling the shots, the 49ers definitely struck gold this time.
For the two first round picks San Francisco selected two offensive linemen: Anthony Davis from Rutgers and Mike Iupati from Idaho. Mike Iupati in particular is a happy site for me: he's 6'6", 330 lbs., and he's an American Samoan. So far, American Samoans in the NFL have proven to be both physically gifted and full of work ethic. I expect great things from him. If all goes according to plan, you will be seeing Davis and Iupati wearing jerseys #76 and #77 on the starting offensive line in game 1 against the Seattle Seahawks.
However, the 49ers didn't just get it right in the first round. They continued to make strong picks during the rest of the draft. Safety Taylor Mays is a huge steal, considering how physically gifted he is compared to many other defensive backs in this draft. He should fit right in with Coach Singletary's defensive style, and Taylor Mays is really happy about the situation too. When both the coach and the player are excited about working together, you can expect some great results on the field.
Linebacker Navorro Bowman doesn't quite fit the position need I had in mind at this point in the draft (I would've liked a defensive tackle or another defensive back),. He's a pass rushing linebacker, but it's still uncertain whether he'll fit into the 3-4 defense as an outside or inside linebacker. Furthermore, he has a lot of talented teammates playing the same/similar positions: Parys Haralson, Manny Lawson, Takeo Spikes, and of course, Patrick Willis. He brings depth at least, and his presence may inspire Manny Lawson to play harder. In terms of pure physical talent, Lawson should be better, but talent alone isn't enough. Maybe Bowman will spark a fire in Lawson?
The last pick I want to talk about is running back Anthony Dixon, drafted in the sixth round. With a draft lasting seven rounds, you typically don't expect to get much out of the sixth round. However, I really like San Francisco's selection here. Anthony Dixon is a great power back who was projected to go in the third or fourth round of the draft before draft day. Now, to be clear, Frank Gore is definitely our starting running back. But he can't be on the field all the time. Most running backs in the modern NFL destroy their legs (and their careers) if they are forced to be the every-down starting running back for eight or more years. So, Gore needs help. Last year we got Glen Coffee to provide it, but I wasn't impressed. I'm hoping Anthony Dixon can compete with Coffee to share the carries with Gore. In doing so, we extend the useful life of our best running back for several more years.
All in all, I think this was a very successful draft for the San Francisco 49ers. I'm looking forward to Coach Singletary's second full year leading this talented team. Given how weak the NFC West Division is, I expect the Red and Gold to go to the playoffs at least.
Devil's advocate: You pin yourself into a corner by drafting two OL in the first round because if the 49ers don't develop a top 5 offensive line in the near future, this draft will be a bust. What I really don't understand is trading the 13th pick and a 4th rounder to get the 11th pick. Neither team ahead of the 49ers were looking for offensive linemen so they wasted a 4th rounder for no reason.
ReplyDelete(I agree that Iupati will be the better overall player though and I expect Gore to average 8 yards a carry on the left side.)
Tsylor Mays. There's a disconnect between his ability and his production that still concerns me. I don't know if it's lack of passion or lack of instinct but his nose isn't around the ball like you would expect from someone whose idol is Ronnie Lott. Hopefully playing for Coach Singletary and playing against his former coach who passed on him in the 1st round gets him motivated.
That leads to my third point. Three of the 49ers' first four picks are all described as having character concerns. (Iupati the exception.) Clearly Singletary's fingerprints are all over this draft as he relishes personality projects as much as he does football prospects.
It's a nice draft. Better than the 49ers are used to for sure. Iupati is the only gold star in my book though.