Draft Edition: 49ers Grade

The San Francisco 49ers had a decent overall draft. Picking up Vernon Davis as both the BAP (best available player) and a need position worked well for them. In part, because they were able to trade back into the 1st rd and select a front seven player in Manny Lawson. 1st rd. grade I would give them an A-. The only problem with the round is Lawson's workout numbers. I think he might be another workout warrior who is a bust in the pros. With that said, Lawson was always around the ball and made as many plays as Mario Williams at NC State.

The rest of the draft, I would give the 49ers a B-. I loved the third round selection of Brandon Williams. The team needed a solid return guy that could also play as a fourth wideout. If he only returns kicks (and holds on to the ball), he will have done alot more than Jimmy Williams did all last year for the team. The next pick I did not like. Michael Robinson was a huge reached in the fourth round. He has talent. Great runnerback/QB for Penn State. There is no denying that he could run over people, but for a player who will have to switch positions (and noone knows what he will play), selecting him that high is a big risk when there were very good corners and LBs still on the board. Still, he might actually save the 49ers a roster spot if he becomes the team's third QB and RB.

Looking deeper into the draft, Parys Haralson was a good pick up at the DL. He will probably battle for a starting spot at OLB in the 49ers 3-4 defense. Delanie Walker, Marcus Hudson, and Vickiel Vaughn are either filling rosters spots or not even making the team. Vaughn shouldn't have been drafted. He was the best player on a horrible Arkansas team. Still he only had one good year and never lived up to the hype. Probably the most likely drafed player to be cut.

The 49ers 6th rd. pick of Melvin Oliver is interesting because out of all the later round selection s he is the only non "Nolan guy" (player with heart) pick. He has all the talent in the world, but only shows flahes of it. The guy is a no heart player who makes you want to kick him in the balls for not trying. The man reason Oliver was taken was for his "tweener" label. Too small to line up a DE but not fast enough to play a LB in a 4-3 defense. He is a perfect 3-4 "Sam" OLB. Has great size and ability to pass rush.