San Francisco addressed some issues with offensive line but do they think that will help Alex Smith thrive in the San Francisco offense? San Francisco used two first round draft picks to pick up the two offensive lineman. San Francisco’s defense was solid all year and they did pick up three players to help in the reserve positions. San Francisco’s NFL Draft was average and could have been a little better with a third or fourth round quarterback.
San Francisco 49ers first NFL Draft pick and 11th overall Anthony Davis.
Anthony Davis, an offensive tackle from Rutgers was a top five offensive lineman coming into the draft and San Francisco was happy to see him available in the number 11 spot. Davis will play right away unless he has trouble adjusting to NFL schemes. His pre draft interview would have cleared up any of those issues hopefully. Davis will not start and in his first NFL season but will see plenty of playing time.
San Francisco 49ers second NFL Draft pick and 17th overall Mike Iupati.
Mike Iupati, an offensive guard out of Idaho, fell slightly during the NFL Draft and San Francisco benefited. Iupati, was downgraded because of a not so perfect NFL Combine but it didn’t hurt him too bad. Iupati also may have a slight language barrier but it didn’t appear to slow him down in Idaho. The NFL is a little more complex, so if Iupati is on the bench all game the first few games it will be obvious. Iupati will see action in his first NFL season and will be a run blocker early into the season.
San Francisco 49ers third NFL Draft pick and 49th overall Taylor Mays.
Taylor Mays, a safety from USC lasted a little longer in the draft than many expected. Mays a top five rated safety is a steal with the 49th (appropriate number) pick overall for San Francisco. Mays is quick, has good reaction time off the ball and has great pop at first contact with the ball carrier. Mays one problem is he is not a strong coverage safety. Mays will play in his first NFL season rotating in and out of the line up.
San Francisco 49ers fourth NFL Draft pick and 91st overall Novarro Bowman.
Novarro Bowman, a linebacker from linebacker U, Penn State, will be playing for one of the greatest linebackers of all time, Mike Singletary. Bowman will be brought into his first NFL training camp to learn from the best. With Mays being drafted so high it will make Bowman a sure fire shot to be headed to special teams. Bowman will play special teams in his first NFL season and see some limited time at linebacker later in the season.
San Francisco 49ers fifth NFL Draft pick and 173rd Anthony Dixon.
Anthony Dixon, a running back from Mississippi State, is a great pick up for the 173rd draft pick. Dixon will be the change of pace back that will complement Frank Gore. Dixon is the definition of a downhill runner, he will be used late in the second quarter and fourth quarter to take the bulk of carries. With the two offensive lineman added along with Dixon to the offense, San Francisco is three for three with their early picks. Dixon will play in his first NFL season and gain 600-750 yards.
San Francisco 49ers sixth NFL Draft pick and 182nd overall Nate Byham.
Nate Byham, a tight end from Pittsburgh was one of many blocking tight ends picked up by NFL teams in this draft. After a trend of receiving tight ends over the last few years the big old school blocking tight end is once again in vogue. Byham has a great chance to make the line up for San Francisco and will see action on run downs in his first NFL season.
San Francisco 49ers seventh NFL Draft pick and 206th overall Kyle Williams .
Kyle Williams, a wide receiver from Arizona State, is a late pick that may turn out. He will be used as a possible kick/punt returner on special teams and could develop into a number three or four receiver. Williams does have some quick cuts and moves as a returner but lacks the quick release off the snap of the ball. He will have time to develop. Williams should make the special teams in his first NFL season and be in some third down receiving situations.
San Francisco49ers eighth NFL Draft pick and 224th overall Phillip Adams.
Phillip Adams, a defensive back out of South Carolina State, is a bit of a long shot. Adams can work hard and become a defensive back on the roster but he is a long shot at best. Adams will most likely be a free agent after the first cut of training camp.
sources:
NFL Network NFL Draft live coverage April 22-24, 2010.
ESPN TV NFL Draft live coverage April 22-24, 2010.
NFL.com player profiles.
