Round 1 - WR A.J. Jenkins
Round 2 - RB LaMichael James
Round 4 - OG Joe Looney
Round 5 - OLB Darius Fleming
Round 6 - S Trent Robinson
- C Jason Slowey
Round 7 - DE/OLB Cam Johnson
Head coach John Harbaugh came in last year and established a smash-mouth offense that will run the ball on everyone. Their first two picks this year coupled with the signings of Randy Moss and Mario Manningham suggest that they could move to more of a spread system in the future.
A surprise first round pick, A.J. Jenkins isn't expected to make a sizable impact in his rookie year. While he's a smooth athlete who plucks the ball out of the air nicely, he is raw as a route runner after playing in a spread system at Illinois. In addition, a more physical style of play would aid him against press coverage, which he's never faced. However, Jenkins' body control enables him to make difficult sideline catches which is a plus. He could develop into an excellent second receiver for the team in the future.
Another player from a spread system at Oregon, LaMichael James, brings explosive play making ability to this offense which lacked big plays last year. A tough runner for 5'9" but not a rugged, grinder, James projects as a third down back who can catch balls out of the backfield. He can be utilized on draw plays and sweeps but will have limited success running inside.
An injury caused him to drop on draft day, but Joe Looney represented value in the fourth round. A physical guard from a small school, he lacks polish but plays well in both run and pass blocking. His skill set suggests that he could have success as a starter, maybe replacing Alex Boone at right guard in a couple years.
Darius Fleming their next pick lacks explosion and isn't special in any facet of the game. Limited as both a pass rusher off the edge and in coverage, his role will be as a backup who needs to play on special teams to contribute. Unfortunately, we won't be watching Fleming play this year as he tore his ACL in rookie minicamp.
The safety position has become increasingly important in recent years as the league moves to more passing. However, the safety classes have seemed extremely shallow in the draft the past few years. Therefore spending late round picks on guys with a little upside can prove to be wise if one develops into a starter. Basically, that's what the 49ers did when they took Trent Robinson. Though probably a backup, he does show flashes that indicate he might become a low-end starter.
Quick, with good movement ability, Jason Slowey can project at either guard or center. Lacking great athleticism, his upside is as a backup at the NFL level though.
Cam Johnson, their last pick, fell a little in the draft. Unfortunately, he suffers from sickle cell anemia which causes extreme fatigue during physical exercise. A little raw and only decent rushing the passer, he might make his mark as a rotational player and special teamer.
With their first two picks, the 49ers made a statement by adding two explosive players to their offense. They then proceeded to add solid players, who can contribute, in the later rounds. Looney and Slowey won't play extensively this year, but they add depth and nastiness to an already talented offensive line. Their defensive rookies won't get a lot of opportunities on that elite defense which is filled with great players already, but they can earn roles as they are coached-up and learn the scheme. Although I like the boldness shown by the team with some of their picks, none of the players they drafted really show the ability to establish themselves as stars in the NFL.
Head coach John Harbaugh came in last year and established a smash-mouth offense that will run the ball on everyone. Their first two picks this year coupled with the signings of Randy Moss and Mario Manningham suggest that they could move to more of a spread system in the future.
A surprise first round pick, A.J. Jenkins isn't expected to make a sizable impact in his rookie year. While he's a smooth athlete who plucks the ball out of the air nicely, he is raw as a route runner after playing in a spread system at Illinois. In addition, a more physical style of play would aid him against press coverage, which he's never faced. However, Jenkins' body control enables him to make difficult sideline catches which is a plus. He could develop into an excellent second receiver for the team in the future.
Another player from a spread system at Oregon, LaMichael James, brings explosive play making ability to this offense which lacked big plays last year. A tough runner for 5'9" but not a rugged, grinder, James projects as a third down back who can catch balls out of the backfield. He can be utilized on draw plays and sweeps but will have limited success running inside.
An injury caused him to drop on draft day, but Joe Looney represented value in the fourth round. A physical guard from a small school, he lacks polish but plays well in both run and pass blocking. His skill set suggests that he could have success as a starter, maybe replacing Alex Boone at right guard in a couple years.
Darius Fleming their next pick lacks explosion and isn't special in any facet of the game. Limited as both a pass rusher off the edge and in coverage, his role will be as a backup who needs to play on special teams to contribute. Unfortunately, we won't be watching Fleming play this year as he tore his ACL in rookie minicamp.
The safety position has become increasingly important in recent years as the league moves to more passing. However, the safety classes have seemed extremely shallow in the draft the past few years. Therefore spending late round picks on guys with a little upside can prove to be wise if one develops into a starter. Basically, that's what the 49ers did when they took Trent Robinson. Though probably a backup, he does show flashes that indicate he might become a low-end starter.
Quick, with good movement ability, Jason Slowey can project at either guard or center. Lacking great athleticism, his upside is as a backup at the NFL level though.
Cam Johnson, their last pick, fell a little in the draft. Unfortunately, he suffers from sickle cell anemia which causes extreme fatigue during physical exercise. A little raw and only decent rushing the passer, he might make his mark as a rotational player and special teamer.
With their first two picks, the 49ers made a statement by adding two explosive players to their offense. They then proceeded to add solid players, who can contribute, in the later rounds. Looney and Slowey won't play extensively this year, but they add depth and nastiness to an already talented offensive line. Their defensive rookies won't get a lot of opportunities on that elite defense which is filled with great players already, but they can earn roles as they are coached-up and learn the scheme. Although I like the boldness shown by the team with some of their picks, none of the players they drafted really show the ability to establish themselves as stars in the NFL.
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